Articles

The EHPAD Bethany Home is a medico-social publicly-owned establishment (owned by the Collectivité of St-Martin), managed by a Board of directors (CA). By law it is this body that lays down the general policy of the establishment and that deliberates in particular on:

- the budget and modifying decisions

- additional appropriations and the tariffing of the services,

- decisions affecting the organization or the activity of the establishment,

- loans,

- the table of employment, .....

 

As a reminder, pertaining to the functioning of the Board of directors, the regulation clearly specifies that:

- the Board of Directors (CA) meets on convocation of its Chairman

- the agenda points for the Board (CA) meetings are is determined by the Chairman

- the number of meetings of the Board of Directors (CA) cannot be less than four per annum .

 

However, it has been now close to eleven months that the Board of directors of Bethany Home has not been invited or convened in meeting. In fact, the last meeting of this body dates back to May 6th, 2010 when the Board of Directors met to review and decide on the approval of the administrative final accounts for 2009.

 

Is it normal and or acceptable, for the Chairman of the board Mr. Louis JEFFRY (who is also 4^th vice-president of the Collectivité) to refuse and or deem it not necessary (for such a long time) to assume his mandate and carry out his responsibilities by organizing the meetings of the Board of directors?

 

Is it normal and or acceptable that on January 20^th last, the Territorial Council met to hear and discuss the budgetary orientations for 2011, and that no indications were given by Mr. JEFFRY on the plans, programs and financing of the EHPAD Bethany Home (our only Senior Citizen’s establishment in the Collectivité), which is financed annually by the budget of the COM (nearly 3,2 M € in 2009)?

 

How can anyone see any coherency and or truthfulness in the report presented by President GUMBS to the Territorial Council on the budgetary orientations, when in its proposed axis of priority it is indicated wanting to “impulse a new dynamics of covering and caring for our seniors within Bethany Home”, when the Board of directors in charge of this establishment (because of the failures of its President Mr. Louis JEFFRY) has been prevented from being able to discuss and of make proposals to be put forward to the Territorial Council?

 

Worse yet, the Board of directors, was not held informed during the entire year 2010, on the implementation of the budget, on the rate of consumption of the funds allocated, and by this was not able to decide on any need of requesting supplementary fundings to cover any pending deficits (through a supplementary budget) or even as it is often needed to decide on transferring credits from one chapter to another (through  Modifying Decisions), now it is too late because the legal deadline fixed for such procedures was January 21. In other words, it is too late to ask the COM for any budget extension and also to transfer funds from a chapter to the other.

Knowing, the budgetary and financial difficulties that this establishment has been experiencing over the years, it is inacceptable and incomprehensible that the Chairman of the board M. JEFFRY did not see it fit to carry out the due, useful and necessary diligences.

 

Taking into account the regulation as regards to absences to board meetings (compulsory resignation pronounced by the Chairman in the event of absence without valid reasons for 3 consecutive meetings), who must be considered as having resigned? The Chairman? The entire  Board of directors?

 

Is this the way that the ex-majority UP-UMP members take care of our senior citizens? Is this all the consideration that the Chairman of the Board (M. JEFFRY) has for the difficulties, the problems and the future of our seniors?

 

Is this another sign of the dysfunctional government that we have, or is this just another sign of the 4th Vice-president wanting all positions, doing much gesticulations yet not assuming and fulfilling the tasks?

 

In conclusion just few words of wisdom:

1- It is well to pile up responsibilities and titles, but it is still better to assume them.

2- It is commonly said in the French setting, that no one ought to be unaware of the law; we will add, especially those who are in charge of guaranteeing that it is being respected. (To the Wise, hello!)

 

It is urgent for the President de la COM (F. GUMBS) to make his vice-presidents and all other Council Members in charge of the various portfolios accountable and that he verifies that they carry out their duties with all due diligences.

 

 

For the RRR Group

Council woman

Ramona CONNOR

Please provide me just a little space through your medium to be able to have a say on the article that was printed in The Daily Herald dated January 13, 2010 on page 4 under the heading: Immigrants to vote on Statia and Saba.
I have been thinking and analyzing this court ruling which was made on Bonaire to allow immigrants residing on Bonaire, Statia and Saba legally for five years or longer to be able to take part in the upcoming Island Council Elections for those public entities that falls under the Netherlands.
The court found that there is no justification to bar those immigrants from voting because according to the court, this would constitute unequal treatment under various international treaties. Just to look at the United States of America which is a world power or one of the most influential countries in the world. They have a law in place where you can only vote when you become a citizen or in other words obtain a U.S. passport to be able to vote. Persons that have a green card, which entitles you to be able to work is not allowed to vote in the U.S.A. My question would be to the United Nation if this does not also constitute unequal treatment under the same international treaties which I believe the U.S. should have with the rest of the world. Bonaire, Statia and Saba has just become special public entities of the Netherlands on October 10, 2010 and already there is a move to be able to divide and conquer these very small islands that is not in the position to sustain themselves. During talks on Lloyd's show for that entire week there was also mention of whether St. Maarten would follow that trend by allowing immigrants living on the island for five or more years to vote for our parliamentary elections. There was much verbal protest about allowing this law to be enacted on St. Maarten and the outcry was that the St. Maarteners are already outnumbered by immigrants that have obtained their Dutch Nationality and can vote already, which therefore would put the immigrants in an even more influential position above the natives if this law should come to St. Maarten.
Let's all be honest with ourselves and not hide our heads in the sand like the ostrich does and look at reality. If an immigrant decides to go to court for this same matter here on our island it does not matter whether the natives protest or not once a court ruling is laid down this decision would be also enforced on St. Maarten.
We as St. Maarteners has to learn to be a little more offensive and not place ourselves in a defensive mode by allowing issues to weaken us before we start strengthening our own people. My suggestion would be to start a campaign to allow St. Maarteners residing all over the world to be able to vote wherever they may be residing without having to come to St. Maarten, which sometimes is a problem for most of us living abroad. This proposal will put St. Maarteners back in the driving seat and allow us once more to become the majority voters for our parliamentary elections which I know can be done because this same scenario was introduced and put in place for the last European Union election for all the Dutch Caribbean Countries and is also done here on St. Maarten for elections in the Dominican Republic.
In other words Aruba and the then Netherlands Antilles were able to vote for a candidate on a party for one of the European Countries that Forms the E.U giving Europeans all over the world to have an input in electing their parliament which I feel our people should also be given that same opportunity to elect their own Parliament as well. We are making an appeal to all citizens, natives and naturalized to join me in appealing to our parliament by making an amendment to our constitution which would allow all St. Maarteners that has Dutch passport residing all over the world if possible to be able to vote wherever they are living.

The details and the administration that has to be put in place is a very simple one because our foundation for St. Maarten European Affairs were fortunate to have been involved with the last European Union Election and was privy to see the execution of the way the voting process was handled.

Having said all of the above if you agree with all that I have written in this article I would appreciate and would be more than willing to have you on board of this very vital mission by contacting me on Cell 522-1574 or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to start the discussions on realizing the above proposal which would give all St. Maarteners a say in their own country whether living here or abroad. I would like to at the same time wish all St. Martin citizens a happy, healthy and financially prosperous new year and hope that we would all come together to face the many challenges that lies ahead of us. I would also like to apologize to the many persons that meet me every day with their desire for me to get involved in the further building of this nation. Our foundation's contribution is not to tear down but to build up and to from here on come up with solutions to the many problems that this country is being challenged with. For us we must all work together with and pray for this Government or any Government of St. Maarten to right the many wrongs that we have e.g. in the area of the rising crime, the rising cost of living, the rising corruption, the rising unemployment, the rising social issues, the rising immorality, the rising taxes on our people and many other areas that have been rising which is not in the best interest for our country where we can experience true equality for all our people which is according to the laws in our Constitution. May God continue to bless us.

Jeffrey Richardson
President, SxM European Affairs Foundation

In today's world, many things compete against God for our devotion. Idolatry is usually defined as worship of any cult image. These are some of the things that can become modern-day idolatry if we let them become too important to us: Excessive attention to material things such as houses, cars, clothes, jewelry, physical appearance, entertainment, etc. Pursuit of wealth, power, fame, pleasure or status. (Example legislators can have another job while serving country but the civil servant is not allowed too. How can we trust Pastor and Senator Jules James?) Excessive devotion to self, job, hobbies, country, ideologies, heroes, leaders, even family. Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool-- how much worse lying lips to a ruler!

A leader should be humble an honest. (Our Prime Minister Sarah Wescott is a humble lady, but far from honest, she could not acknowledge that her colleague Maria Buncamper Molanus break the ethic rule of good governance.) From Humility or being humble is a quality of being courteously respectful of others. It is the opposite of aggressiveness, arrogance, boastfulness, and vanity. Acting with humility does not in any way deny our own self worth. Rather, it affirms the inherent worth of all persons. Humility is exactly what is needed to live in peace and harmony with all persons. It dissipates anger and heals old wounds. It allows us to see the dignity and worth of all God's people. Humility distinguishes the wise leader from the arrogant power-seeker. (Example, our former minister of health Maria Buncamper Molanus acting like she is a victim) If there was any one group of people that Jesus couldn't stand, it was hypocrites! (While William Marlin is accusing Maria Buncamper Molanus of conflict of interest he also awarded his son company the contract for the legislative hall of country StMaarten) The Pharisees of Jesus' times were a religious and political party that insisted on very strict observance of Biblical laws on tithing, ritual purity and other matters. At the same time, many of the Pharisees forgot the true spirit and intent of the law and became self-indulgent, self-righteous, snobbish, and greedy. That led Jesus to remarks such as; No one is perfect; we are all sinners in one way or another. If we treat people we consider to be "sinners" with scorn, or think we are better than they are, we are guilty of the sin of self-righteousness. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another. Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD

There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.  If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? (Legislators and minister that are in government for self enrichment are Leroy De Weever, Patrick Illidge, Roy Marlin, and Theo Heyliger.) And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? The Golden Rule, spoken by Jesus, is possibly the best-known quote from the Bible and is the standard Jesus set for dealing with other people. If we wish to be loved, we must give love. If we wish to be respected, we must respect all persons, even those we dislike. If we wish to be forgiven, we must also forgive. If we wish others to speak kindly of us, we must speak kindly of them and avoid gossip. If we want happy marriages, we must be faithful, forgiving and kind to our spouses. If we wish to be fulfilled in our lives, we must share generously with others. To all legislators and leaders I hope you have read and understand well.

Yours truly,

Brother Richard Gumbs

Dear Editor,
Please allow me the opportunity to express my concerns and those of other employees about a frightening situation that is plaguing the good old faithful employees at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Hotel and Casino. Over the last two and a half years, under the newly-appointed general manager, Great Bay Hotel has seen an alarming increase in turnover of senior staff, along with a large number of wrongful dismissal settlements, something no company can really afford at any time, let alone these very tough economic times.
Never before have there been so many labor related matters, many of which are either on-going, settled, or swept by the wayside. Staff are beginning to wonder if this new manager is on a special mission to make the dinosaurs extinct rather than having them as endangered species.
During that 2 year period Sonesta Great Bay Hotel has seen the exit of, to be exact, for senior staff:
One (1) Financial Comptroller
One (1) Guest service manager
One (1) Food & Beverage Manager
One (1) Head of maintenance
One (1) Head of Cleaning Staff
Two (2) Chefs
One (1) Sales Manager
All of these senior staffers have interesting stories to tell as they were either forced to resign or just simply walked away disgruntled.
From the inception there has been gross disrespect for local managers, two of whom were given awards as supervisors, a complete disregard for their managerial office, a situation unheard of in the arena of their immigrant counterparts.
As for junior staff the situation differs slightly but with similar trend.
One has to wonder, is this practice counter-productive, and if this industry of hospitality benefited in any way from this type of management, or is it evidence of an abuse of authority with no regards for our human resource.
Perhaps, there is a broader picture here, a desperate attempt to discredit the previous administration with whom all of the disenchanted served for many years, or most likely just a dictator who manages like that of a Mexican Drug Lord where you do or die.
Presently there are growing concerns by the remaining long serving staffers as they perceive a very grim future. Some of whom have already been threatened with dismissal or have been offered a honorable discharge, for reasons no less than that of boosting the dictator's ego.
It is so sad that very often after the fact the question is asked, "Why didn't anyone see a red flag?"
Well, today that red flag is seen flying on the Great Bay Beach Hotel despite the tranquility of the sea. I am appealing to the Ministry of Labour, the WIFOL president who represents the rights of the employees, and the property owners, to have a very serious look at the operations of Sonesta Great Bay Beach Hotel where the employees are experiencing serious abuse.
Thank You editor,

Willie Leak SXM

Time and again, Mrs. Sara Wescott has proving her inability to assert any form respectable leadership. She simply does not have any shame or integrity to be a Prime Minister. Apart from that fact that she obviously is not in charged the government after being rejected by the voters as a minority Democratic Party leader. She is also clearly unable to distinguish the difference between ethical behavior in public office and good governance. To use the words of the former defrocked Minister Maria Molanus, "resignation is an admission of guilt". Therefore, by government accepting her resignation is a public admission that some measure of wrong doing was performed! Moreover, a civil servant is not allowed to use their office in government for self-enrichment schemes. Certainly, situation that forced the minister out of office concerned both husband and wife as top civil servants. None is less guilty than the other, especially since this case has serious implications for previous Executive Council in question. Both Mr. and Mrs. Molanus have to resign in order to protect integrity of government. Unfortunately, the situation surrounding Mr. Jules James too also requires attention to avoid conflict of interest. Do we really need the prosecutor or the Dutch government to tell us that these are untenable and unacceptable situations? Once more, even if the so-called prime minister doesn't feel disgraced for herself, at this point, for her to leave government office is a step in the right direction. Obviously, she is desperately trying cover up her own personal involvement in that dubious land deal by allowing questionable conduct in government. The fact that the entire previous Executive Council allowed nepotism as a normal part of her Democratic Party corrupt government for years is now blurring her sense of principles. The appearance of conspirators colluding in self enrichment schemes, perhaps even providing special political party financial benefits are becoming conclusively vivid. This puppet prime minister cannot independently or uncompromisingly lead this country with any political dignity and pride. Her resignation is the only dignified way out of this colossal disgrace in the face of any self respecting country. The same goes Mrs. Maria Molanus and her husband. The prime minister mismanagement of these scandalous situations in government speaks volumes her spineless incompetence.

Mr. Eldridge van Putten

Social & Political Activist

Dear Mrs. Lynch,

The SHTA, after consultation with the tax committee on the recent Turnover Tax amendments, is hereby relaying its concerns and demand for intervention with regard to this dramatic change to legislation.

The SHTA believes that while the increase was presented to the public as merely a change from 3 to 5% in the existing legislation, the now published legislation introduces drastic changes to the Turnover Tax, depicting a completely different picture.  The SHTA is surprised that the Council of Ministers and Parliament would ratify legislation that is so drastically different than a simple increase of 2% in the existing TOT.

In fact the adjustments made to article 5 in conjunction with the new article 11; taken from the distilled version published by PCW; states that:

Non-resident entrepreneurs that deliver (goods) and provide services to resident buyers are deemed to be domiciled (and thus subject to TOT) at the Inspectorate of Taxes.  In addition, if the buyer is an entrepreneur, the entrepreneur must account for these purchases and pay 5% tax on them.   For Deliveries of goods and provision of services to consumers the non-resident entrepreneur remains subject to tax.  The new ordinance does not include the possibility to offset the tax charged on purchases against the tax payable on sales revenues.

Thus meaning that imported goods and services are now subject to Turnover Tax by the company importing them, effectively establishing a  5% import duty for resident companies, resulting in an additional layer of taxation, which heretofore has been undisclosed.

The SHTA is of the opinion that the 5% tax levied on imported goods and services will be passed on in threefold to the consumers thus increasing the cost of living potentially by 15%. In short, this change to the Turnover Tax is not "just" an increase of 67% of the old rate; the total tax rate has more than doubled.

This is economically irresponsible, and the direct result of the rush to resolve a budget crisis without taking into consideration the full consequences of such a measure, nor taking the time required to include social partners in open dialogue about reasonable sustainable changes to tax and economic policy.  The SHTA is a proponent of simplifying the tax system and broadening the taxable base, thereby increasing compliance and revenue for government.  Merely, imposing a higher tax on the individuals currently complying will not solve the budgetary needs.  We strongly believe that by introducing this measure of over taxation, government will further erode its taxable base, its expense to enforce and reduce its projected income thereby still not meeting the needs of its budget. Further we predict it will lead to more resentment from the shrinking base and greater tax avoidance.

The SHTA feels that this policy is the a direct result of lack of true partnership with social peers and is worried about its effect on existing businesses and on, much needed, new investments required to sustain this economy.

This is just one of the articles that have not been properly thought out and we therefore believe that the proposed legislation should be revised in consultation with all social partners and adjusted to safeguard the residents and the economic future of St. Maarten.

We look forward to your swift response on this matter.

Sincerely,

Valya Pantophlet
Executive Director
St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association

My dear cousin, friend and Parliamentarian Jules JAMES,

This is to confirm what I told you last week when I made it my business to call you out of concern.

Because I love you as friend and family, again I urge you to take a very long and serious look at the situation you are now in as Parliamentarian and as Managing Director at Pelican Resort.

As I told you, I will not tell you what you should do, from what you should not do.

Neither, with all dues respect, am I interested in getting any account from you, because to me that is not the issue and therefore not relevant.

THE issue is, that you have to make sure you are clear with your own conscience as a person-, and even more as a religious leader.

As far as I, Leopold JAMES am concerned, I know that there are 'man-made' laws, and there are laws of much higher authority.

Consequently, the least convincing argument I can imagine is the one saying.

Since something is not (deemed )illegal, (which does not make it legal in any 'system'), there is nothing wrong with that.

That is going up a very 'slippery', and dangerous slope, my friend and men of God should be the very first to warn others about.

Dear Cousin, I also told you, that politicians better become aware that the social 'environment' on the island, is changing, deteriorating...rapidly and that politicians should not 'take' people for granted anymore.

Having said that Jules, you remain a cousin I love very much, but at the same time, my loyalty to my country and to higher principles, simply 'dwarfs' such.

In ending, please take the decision YOU Jules JAMES, can live with, regardless, what anyone else thinks, including cousin Leopold.

God bless you,

Drs. Leopold JAMES

I am wondering if our leaders in charge of this country are realizing that the hills in Concordia are being destroyed day by day! Being in Concordia on a daily basis, since 1988 , I am seeing the evolution of the deforestation on all hills surrounding the valley. The heavy rains that we had lately demonstrated clearly to us that something is happening ! I never saw so much water pouring down in all the roads in Concordia! The road in front of the Lycée was like a monstrous river ready to devastate everything on its way!

And yet , the buildings are popping up as wild mushrooms like no one seems to care! How much more are they intending to shack up in Concordia! I am convinced that soon , we won't be able to breed fresh air in that area!Thousands of people are now living in the area. Just check the traffic jam in the morning, in the rush hours and any blind man would see that this is a situation that is going to be hell to handle soon! But they had "A VISON"!!! I think they need to get their eyes checked! LOL

But what is more frustrating is the deforestation done by some individuals (non saint martiners) to the rest of the hills that is not destroyed by the bulldozers! Every day , as I look to the hills, I can see that trees are disappearing! The smoke keeps burning day and night! Yes, the koal keels are legion in the hills! I have brought this to the attention of the actual government through their services for Environmental Issues and yet our hills are burning away!!!

Are we going to become like Haïti???? Today, we can all see : THEY ARE PAYING THEIR DUES! A drop of rain becomes a flood ! Our country seems to be running on automatic pilot ! If I can notice what is going on, Why can't our leaders see it ? May it be those in majority or those in opposition!!! Is it because they just don't care about it????

I AM HEREBY ASKING THEM TO PLEASE PROTECT OUR HILLS AND LAND BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE ! STOP THE DEFORESTATION OF CONCORDIA HILLS May it be by the SEMSAMAR or whoever! Enough appartments, enough buildings ! These leaders were in opposition under Mayor Albert Fleming and as I can recall it was our "cheval de bataille" ( major fighting cause) !!! Short memories????? In my opinion, it has even become worse! Is it for the love of the money?????

I think we will have to from a group to kick up against this issue! I need your feedback on this, Peeps!

It is very clear, that Aline writes what most St. Martiners also are aware of, but for whatever reasons are afraid to publicly express.
Wherever I go, and whichever St. Martiner I speak to, they have one thing in common; 'Haitian immigrants fatigue'.
I have said it many times before and I have been 'crucified' for that in the past, although that is now changing significantly.
In recent times, I have tried to 'moderate' my 'tone' in particular towards the Haitian immigrants, in order not to project any animosity and hatred.
However, thus-far, no matter how hard I try, there is only one conclusion staring me straight in the face, whether I like it-, or not.
This group of immigrants, more than all the others combined are the biggest threat in every sense of the word to any normal, civilized, healthy, balanced development on the island- by any standard !
We can, continue to fool ourselves otherwise, until we realize that they have effectively and deliberately used their numbers as a weapon against us, and that indeed they would have created exactly what they ran way from...another 'hell-hole', called Haiti.
In the meantime, they are becoming a plague, a maladiction and a curse to the very existence of this country, and many people actually feel this 'vibe' and become sick.
It is a shame that collectively, Government, St. Martiners, the tourism-sector, churches etc. have simply allowed for what they have sacrificed to build up, they are also allowing for a set of wretched immigrants to systematically-, and completely destroy.
Every sector they 'penetrate', they dominate, create their own bush-laws-, no-one other than them can live by and consequently push out every other set of people out of that enterprise, or district.
What Aline writes about,- is just a tiny fraction of the truth and how this once beautiful island is fast degenerating into a grimy slum like many in Haiti.
Despite the fact, that they are destroying the island much the same way a virus destroys its host-cell, they still have the gall to always complain about how the entire world is taking 'advantage' of them.
They are upset for instance, that for instance tiny St. Martin (33 sq. miles) does not fast enough accommodate their 9 million or so subjects, while still 'breeding' more '24-7-365'.
These people still live in some 'backward' state of mind and must try hard to enter the 21 st century.
The visit of their vice -consul Jean Claude CELINE, some days ago, is testament to them never taken full responsibility for their own (illegal) actions, but always blaming others, while at the same time disrespecting and , undermining the people and laws of every country they enter.
In ending,those who don't like the 'message', can feel free to attack the messenger.
However, my message will still remain, even more convincing.
And just like their vice -consul found it fitting to come to my island to complain to my Government, I reserve the right to speak out on behalf of MY native St. Martin people to be preserved, protected and respected in their own land.
If that is wrong, save me the 'right' thing.
Let us take back our country please.

Leopold JAMES

Honorable Mr. Jean Claude Celime,
Haitian Vice Consul, based in Curacao.

With great interest, we have taken notice of an article, which was published in the Daily Herald of Wednesday, January 26, 2011 entitled; 'Haitian Vice Consul discusses concerns with Justice Minister'
For those, who might not have a clue which this Justice Minister is; it is non other than our own honorable St. Maarten Justice Minister, Mr. Roland DUNCAN.
For the record, honorable Mr. Vice Consul.
Allow me also to congratulate you for being able to get the attention of our own St. Maarten Minister of Justice, something we as native St. Martin grassroots movement have not been privileged to.
In addition Mr. Celime, while we admire-, and strongly commend you for speaking out in behalf of your own Haitian people, living on our island, we would like to believe that you will also understand that we-, being a grassroots native St. Martin movement, have the right-, if not OBLIGATION to do the same for OUR St. Martin people, certainly right here in own home-land.
Not only that.
We would like to believe-, and therefore look forward to your cooperation in also bringing across the concerns of native St. Martiners to our own Minister of of Justice, and Government in general.
More than that, we hope that you will also cooperate with us, should we one day, wish to go to Haiti to meet with your Government there and to express OUR concerns, just like you are doing here.
And while we empathize with the concerns of your Haitian people, for comparison-sake let us put the situations our peoples find themselves in, in some perspective.
Let us start with looking at the size of Haiti.
Haiti has a total land area of some 10, 641 sq. miles (More than ten thousand square miles) ! 
The estimated population of Haiti  is 9,2003.083 ( More than 9 million people) and still growing !
Haiti has the highest fertility rate in the entire Western Hemisphere !
Now-, let us look at the little 'rock' St. Maarten/St. Martin for which in fact you wish to 'squeeze in' more Haitians.
Total area is about 33 square miles !
Estimated population over one hundred thousand (not including the many illegals, and visitors)
Number of nationalities over 100 odd nationalities.
At this point in time in its existence and development, our island is overpopulated, overdeveloped, and its carrying capacity is beyond its limits.
Adding to the complexity of our country, there are a number of factors, which compound our way of life and existence as a St. Martin people.
The main one being the immigration situation.
The out of control immigration-, of in particular your people, is becoming a real threat to our way of life as well as to our very existence as a St. Martin people in our home.
Add to that the fact that we have our own St. Martiners living elsewhere, also as immigrants, many of whom are also not well treated abroad and would like to return to their own home-land as well.
Needless to emphasize that we do not have the time and space here to go into all the relevant details.
However, we would like to believe that any normal human being should be able/and willing to conclude that there comes a time that 'enough is enough' for a people and that they have to do whatever it takes to preserve and protect themselves.
We as St. Martiners, although betrayed by our leaders are determined to do just that.
Meanwhile, while your people are here in our midst, we would like to urge you to go beyond complaining about how bad they are being treated by our country, whose government has even abandoned the care of its own people.
We think that it is more than time to also educate your people in many ways, so that they can be more of an 'added value' to our society, than being a 'maladiction'
Perhaps, they should be educated in such a way that eventually they can return to Haiti and structurally rebuild that country, that has so many potentials.
In this modern times, 'family-planning' should be a priority-, since it is simply primitive to continue 'overpopulating' the planet and creating problems for others to resolve.
The exorbitantly high birth-rate of Haitains, makes them a real threat in destabilizing any 'demographical balance' and becomes unacceptable from the national-security interest of any country.
Also, it would help the integration and acceptance process of Haitians, if you would educate to stop abusing the social welfare system of the island, and in the process completely 'side-line' the native St. Martin people and other nationals who really need such assistance.
Respecting the law of the land, will also be an enormous help in the process of socially accepting your people.
This backward mentality of creating all kinds of 'under-ground'- and illegal activities, such as the gypsy business, vending all over the place simply brings down the value of our country and we do not approve of such.
In other words, it is time that your people grow up, join the modern world, assume their own responsibility, show respect for the rights and cultures of the host-population and stop complaining and stop bribing our politicians to destroy their own people.
In ending, honorable Mr. Vice Consul, we highly respect you for standing up for your Haitian people, and do hope that you will reciprocate same respect for us in standing up for the rights of our own native St. Martin people to be first in their own home.
After all, if any nation or people understands the universal principle, that 'Charity should start at home'- no body beats the Haitians in Haiti.
Looking forward to a very constructive cooperation in the best interest of this country and its people.

Copies to all relevant authorities within the Kingdom, Haiti , the region, US and elsewhere.

drs. Leopold JAMES,
President grassroots St. Martin nation building-, and unification movement and,
Proud, native St. Martiner, without any apologies for such.

Responsibility means able to distinguish between right and wrong and to think and act rationally and hence accountable for one's behavior. It is consider that after people reach the age of 18 Years they are adult. Decision they make or the choices they make will determine how successful they will be in life or how happy or unhappy they will be. It is always wise for young people to attain a diploma because it is a passport to a carrier that you might want to accomplish. Most people become unhappy for negative actions or negative choices they made in life. For instance give yourself time to know people before you get involve with them in a relationship, be it business, friendship, or for love. Trust and communication in life is important to have a good relationship. Many people in life create poverty for themselves. Young people having children are a path to poverty especially without family planning. Getting married or deciding to live with your lady or man in an apartment can be disastrous if both people is not fiscal responsible. Making more children than you can afford or even if you can afford but is not willing or cannot spend valuable quality time with is a recipe for disaster and poverty. Being in company with criminals or associated with people not of good character is an element for a destructive life. It is foolish to make children with a woman and a man then to find out they are abusive. Use the golden rule of moral values to protect yourself. It is foolish to practice unprotected sex with someone you meet 3 hours ago. It is foolish to gamble your small salary in a casino, and after go and do prostitution or steel money to eat. It is foolish to use drugs that will take away yourself value and control of your life. The average person have about 70 years to live, why would he or she waist 10 years in prison or 10 years in an unhappy relationship or ten years gambling when you see you are getting poorer and life is becoming more difficult. Those are problem people choose by choice do not blame government for that. Those problems are poverty and unfortunates by choice. Foolish is also if you allow people to use you for their gains and you become victimize not for using good morals, values and common sense God gives us. When life is going the wrong way we must look at ourselves and see if we are the problem to our self and change it by doing the right things making the good choices and associating our self with people of good conduct and character. If you are a lady and you love bad guys, expect abuse, if you are a man and you believe you can buy love expect unfaithfulness. If you a businessman and you squander money expect to go bankrupt. If you consume alcohol in excess and smoke your way to cancer do not blame government for your negative choice of destroying your life. Personal responsibilities are very important to be healthy and wealthy and to be happy. Your personal responsibility is not government responsibility. It is your choice to make bad or good decision, but do not expect the government to correct your mistakes, for government is not and can never be God. Think before you act, by following that principle you can avoid yourself a life time of trouble and unhappiness. If you except personal responsibility for your life 80 percent of your problem are already solve. In conclusion you now know government is not responsible for your life you are responsible for your life.

Miguel Arrindell

RE; Creating a 'one-stop-access-service to vital blogs'

No one can deny that in recent times, most sectors of media on the island have been doing a great job, in terms of exposing nepotism, cronyism, corruption etc in government.
That goes for the printed media, certain radio-and television talk shows etc.
That was definitely not always the case in the past on the 'Friendly island'.
With the advent of the internet, including those websites which engage particularly in investigative reporting, another mile-stone has been achieved going beyond the scope of the traditional journalism.
This is evidenced by those websites, that allow for people surfing their site, to become 'interactive bloggers' and to be able to respond to reports in websites as they see fit, without necessarily exposing their identity.
By making this possible, these site-operators have created a 'major step forward' by empowering the ordinary grassroots man-, woman and child to express their personal opinions on various reports/issues affecting their way of life in one way or the other.
While we recommend the operators of these sites to be very vigilant that this anonymity is not used to assassinate the characters of the persons in question, conscious and intelligent readers, and authorities in genreal should be able to 'make sense out of nonsense', and to really try to identify-, and gauge the 'mood' withing our society on certain issues.
Therefore constantly observing these sites and reading the blogs, should be of paramount importance for all in authority.
Claiming not to know by those in authority, what the public's mood is, will therefore no longer be an option/excuse for not taking the appropriate measures if necessary.
However, frankly speaking , in practical terms, it is indeed virtually impossible for the authorities to dedicate enough time to 'scan' all websites to update themselves on the CONTENTS of the blogs and NOT necessarily on the identity of the bloggers !
Here is now where our new public service is intended to be of an 'added value' to the 'mix'.
The intention is to make sure that the invaluable information by the bloggers is not simply 'wasted away'-, and conveniently delegated to some proverbial information 'black-hole' -, never ever to be heard of anymore.
To avoid such 'silent death' , we intend to increase the effectiveness of the invaluable investigative nature of the websites, together with the responses of the bloggers and complile them in a special document, to be subsequently forwarded (with or without a recommendation) to all relevant authorities.
These can be for instance the Parliament, the Governor general, the Prosecutor, The Dutch Government, etc. etc.
This service will create a 'one-stop access shop to vital blogs' for all authorities, preventing them having to waste their scarce time-, and other resources scanning all possible websites in order to read the 'pulse' of the nation.
Even, if our local authorities would choose not to ignore this service, certainly the Dutch Government would appreciate having that information for sure !
The document containing the blogs on a particular issue, will also request that the proper and relevant authority to acknowledge receipt, to investigate and to report back to us, so that we can inform the public of what has become of their concerns.
Certainly we intend to work closely with dr. Nilda LYNCH-ARDUIN, our OMBUDSMAN.
Judging from the relationship we have developed over time with the public at large, we can not imagine that the authorities will decline their cooperation in this service aimed at reinforcing participation of all in contribuiting towards better government, safety and securiry etc.
Meanwhile, we look forward receiving suggestions to improve on this public service initiative.
Contact person; Leopold JAMES

RE; Proposal by the TODAY-newspaper for public participation of proposing new Minister of Health & Labor for Country St. Maarten.

OUR COMMENTARY; First of all we commend Mr. HAAR of the TODAY-newspaper for this initiative.
In our opinion, it clearly adds a new-, and positive 'dimension' to reporting, by contributing towards the democratic process by means of public participation.
While we happily participate in this initiative by suggesting a candidate, we must beg the person's indulgence as well, since we have not approached the person.
Consequently do not even know if the person is interested in the position.
But, in the event it does not 'work out', we accept the 'risk' of falling 'flat on our face'.

Description & motivation
Our candidate is a male person, of a highly respected traditional St. Martin family, whose roots and historical contributions are undisputed and legendary.
In addition our candidate is a professional in the medical field  with many years of experience.
To his great credit, our candidate person is known to be one of the most 'down to earth' St. Martin professionals one can imagine, who is more than well-liked by so many people.
Testament to this, is also the many calls of well-wishes he received when was was guest on Oral GIBBES, some week ago.
When he does his work, he does such focused as professional, a medical specialist.
But, when he is 'liming', he does such with a 'passion' ( :-) :-*  ) of a real grassroots, St. Martin man.
Our candidate is none other than...dr. Michel PETIT
Dr. PETIT, please forgive me, for being so 'forward', I will make up for it, when we meet again.

Leopold JAMES

Dear Mr. Theo Heyliger,

We, the legally constituted TAPRC Board of Pelican Resort (aka the "Board"), are writing to you in your capacity as a leader of the newly installed Dutch St. Maarten Island government for the reasons that follows:
1. This Board represents approximately 12,000 Pelican timeshare interval owners whose investments have been fatally compromised by the "very bad and what this Board believes to be illegal acts" of the Resort's outside management company (Royal Resorts Group/Royal Resorts Caribbean) and its principals/officers Mr. Richard Sutton and Mr. Richard Corso who, we are sure, you are already very familiar with..
2. This Board is very troubled by the fact that the newly installed Island government had not chosen to officially involve itself in this "financial and legal debacle" earlier given the "on the ground" reality that a closed Pelican resort (a possible outcome), or a significantly reduced interval owner membership base (already becoming a reality!), will have a tremendously negative financial impact on the Island's economy (given that it is acknowledged fact that tourism is the island's economic engine).
3. This Board is even more troubled by the fact that the newly installed Island government has chosen to meet with Mr. Sutton, Mr. Corso, and the representatives of the Pelican Resort WIFOL union employees but has chosen not to include the TAPRC Board in these meetings. Let us be clear, this Board is the sole legal representative of the interval interests of approximately 12,000 Pelican Resort timeshare intervals.
4. This Board is very concerned for the future economic well being of the island and all of its residents, business owners, etc. This Board, speaking on behalf of its thousands of interval owners is proud of the fact that we, Pelican intervals owners, have had a wonderful relationship with the Island and its residents and its business owners these past twenty five plus years. Pending the outcome of the current events that relationship could be severely curtailed.
5. This Board will have no choice but to send a powerful message to our constituency (the approximate 12,000 Pelican timeshare interval owners) that the sad reality is that Dutch St. Maarten Island timeshare protective legislation, which we have been told and assured for years is an impediment to unscrupulous and fraudulent resort managers and developers, is in reality a paper tiger without legal teeth ...powerless to protect our timeshare interval ownership interests, and that the newly installed island government, despite numerous TAPRC Board requests to meet, has chosen to "sit on is official hands" and not respond to our urgent calls for government intervention and substantive assistance.

A little bit of recent history is warranted at this point......

On November 30, 2010, the Tenants' Association Pelican Resort Club (TAPRC) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Pelican Resort. As the Chairman of the Board at that time, Ms. Christine Schlunz, contacted the Prime Minister to see if she would be willing to meet with the Board to discuss the likely impact on and ramifications to the island and local employees if the foreclosure of the Resort was allowed to go forward. The Board had invited Mr. Franklin Meyers to attend the Resort's AGM and the Prime Minister assured Ms. Schlunz that would be the best person to meet with. Unfortunately the Board received notice through Mr. James' office the morning of the AGM that Mr. Meyers would be delayed, and could not attend the AGM but would meet with the Board later that day. Mr. James had specific instructions from Ms. Schlunz to bring Mr. Meyers to our meeting room whenever he arrived but the Board never saw him nor heard from him or his office as to why he missed the meeting.

A few days prior to the November 30th meeting, Ms. Schlunz and the Board's attorney Mr. Gerrit Van Giffen met with Mr. Theo Thompson, the WIFOL union leader, WIFOL's attorney, and several union stewards from Pelican Resort. Ms. Schlunz spent two hours telling them the history behind this foreclosure attempt and assured them that Mr. Sutton intended to file a structured bankruptcy soon after his foreclosure in order to break all the labor contracts. Mr. Sutton informed the Board in December, 2009 of these intentions. In July, 2010, Mr. Sutton told Ms. Schlunz that if she didn't get the Board to give him complete control of the Resort and its operations, he would take the Resort in a foreclosure. Ms. Schlunz categorically assured Mr. Sutton that the Board did not intend to miss a payment to the lender (Mr. Suttons' company, QIT) who held the lien as the Board had explicitly instructed Mr. Corso, CEO of the management company in writing, to make every payment on time before any other payments were made so a default was unlikely. Mr. Sutton said he would make sure the Resort was in default in August and that he would own the Resort before the end of the year and that's exactly what Mr. Sutton did. Mr. Corso had complete control of the Resort's bank accounts and money and made all the decisions on who got paid and who didn't (this is one of the issues we asked the island court judge for relief from). Mr. Corso is an employee of Mr. Sutton's, and as we've all seen and in spite of hundreds of Board legal directives to the contrary, made sure Mr. Sutton's threat of default and subsequent foreclosure came to pass.

The TAPRC Board of Directors represents the more than 12,000 timeshare owners at Pelican Resort Club who have just lost the ownership of the Resort in an impossibly bad judicial decision. Hundreds have written the Board asking why the island allowed this travesty to happen and many are walking away from their timeshares and will no longer be spending their money on the island of St. Maarten. They're baffled as to how a judge could rule that this was a valid default given the magnitude of evidence provided by the Resort's attorneys, independent accountants, etc. and the clear and material conflicts of interest between the parties who caused the default. The TAPRC Board was asking the judge for a delay on the auction date so that the Board could get rightful control of its bank accounts and cure the Sutton-Corso orchestrated default. The evidence to support the fraudulent default action was overwhelming.

There is another group of owners numbering approximately 150 who have collectively invested over $3.2 million dollars in Pelican Resort through a program called Pelican Capital Improvement Program (PCIP) implemented by Mr. Sutton. These investors, a number who have individually invested $100 thousand or more, will now lose their investments due to Mr. Sutton's orchestrated Resort foreclosure action. Mr. Sutton and Mr. Corso have stated they have no intention of honoring these debts which will have a dramatic negative financial impact on many of these long time Pelican owners (some who are retirees). The Board directed Mr. Corso to begin repaying these investors last year but their directive was ignored and since he had complete control of our bank accounts and funds, he decided it was not in the best interest of the Resort to repay these investors. We have come to learn that he was acting in the best interests of Mr. Sutton and his pre-planned foreclosure plan.

The Board is still pursuing justice in this issue and has filed appeals on both court actions and has a criminal court case pending in Florida against Mr. Corso and Mr. Sutton personally. The Board expects numerous additional court actions to be filed against Mr. Sutton, Mr. Corso, and their related business entities as new evidence has been uncovered recently concerning many aspects of the foreclosure, the subsequent auction, and the irregularities concerning the rushed issuance of "new licenses" to operate the Resort.

The Board believes that it is may not be too late to reverse this "financial/legal debacle" for the benefit of all aggrieved parties. The Board respectfully requests an opportunity to discuss the events/details of what has transpired at the Resort with the newly installed government of Dutch St. Maarten. The Board respectfully requests that you and other key Ministers in the government agree to convene a meeting with representatives of the TAPRC Board as soon as possible.

This Board anxiously awaits your response. A response can be sent to the Board at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Respectfully,

TAPRC Board of Directors, Pelican Resort

Upon popular request, we have decided to publish on regular basis 'SHORT STORIES' pertaining to the HAITIANIZATION of our transportation system.
This is because, there is a fundamental 'shift' taking place in our transportation system, in which particularly Haitians have completely taken over this sector.
Apart from undermining the legitimate local native St. Martin bus- and taxi drivers, who have to pay taxes, insurances etc, there is also another phenomenon taking place.
That is that they have introduced a total different way in dealing with passengers- they have simply 'Haitianized' the service.
Consequently, they behave as if they are in their own country  A'yiti and very often display a total arrogance to others.
While some people might shrug this off as unimportant, it IS important, to prevent at all costs, others from 'sneaking in' their culture in critical areas of one's country.
One such area is the transportation sector.
No matter what, the transportation-sector should reflect the culture of the host-population, period.
For a simple reason, that many visitors and locals make use of it and come in close contact with the 'heartbeat' of any country.
While certain St. Martiners might fail to understand that, many  foreign drivers do not.
That is why they often times DECORATE their vehicles with signs paraphernalia, like flags reflecting THEIR country, culture and religion.
In order for our readers, like us, who do not use the public transportation to be informed as to what is actually taking place in that sector we decided to publish credible SHORT STORIES on this 'Haitianization' of the transportation system.

SHORT STORIES # 1; FOR SALE.
This afternoon a very irate person contacted me very upset about another experience of the 'Haitian gypsy' mentality introduced by the very same people Vice Consul came to demand the Island-Government admits more of them.
The person a native St. Martiner, mostly makes use of the public transportation system to get around.
According to this informant, being an illegal bus-driver has almost become the norm, so that is not even the issue here.
What really surprised and angered our informant is that there seems to be no limit as to how far these Haitians will go to do whatever business they see fit.
According to our informant there is this bus 190 out there transporting passengers.
Not that the bus carries any sign indicating the fares to the very destination.
Of course not.
Instead, this bus 190 has apparently taken the notion of 'gypsy' bus to the next level.
One would believe to be somewhere in Haiti, where lawlessness is very creative and the order of the day.
That 'system' seems to be indeed being imported on the 'Friendly island'.
So, while not caring to posting the fares for a bus-drive, bus 190 according to our informer carries a sign with prices of a total different nature;
the sign which supposedly is in RED, reads FOR SALE
Water $ 1.00
Soda   $ 1.50
Juices  $ 1.75
Talking about immigrants with no added value or with 'anti-social' added value.
Be aware, that if this is not 'nipped in the bud' by the authorities, who knows the next time bus 190 or another one will sell voodoo perfume, or voodoo dolls while enjjoying a bus-ride.
Only on the 'Friendly Island'.

SHORT STORY #2; You white man from Holland ?

Just also got a call from another regular bus passenger ( Friday, January 28, 2011 at 3.20 p.m.).
While he was on a bus, of course driven by a Haitian driver, this tall Caucasian male passenger got up to dis-embark.
After he apparently closed the door from where he was exiting, the driver asked him; 'Way you from ?, Holland ?'
The gentleman confirmed, after which 'Mr. Haitian' scolded him that; 'We people don't slam doors here'.
Besides our St. martin informant, the other passengers were Haitians and they all had a very good- and loud laugh at 'Mr. Dutchman'.
Editor's note; Never mind that the Dutchman's passport is one of the most coveted documents for these people.
Perhaps, if the Dutchman reads this, he can contact us to give his input.

Send your stories to; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Leopold JAMES 5204325 / 54 43512.

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

I am wondering if our leaders in charge of this country are realizing that the hills in Concordia are being destroyed day by day! Being in Concordia on a daily basis, since 1988, I am seeing the evolution of the deforestation on all the hills surrounding the valley of Concordia. The heavy rains that we had lately demonstrated clearly to us that something is happening!

I never saw so much water pouring down all the roads in Concordia! The road in front of the Lycée was like a monstrous and raging river ready to devastate everything on its way!

And yet, the buildings are popping up as wild mushrooms like no one seems to care! How much more are they intending to shack up in Concordia! I am convinced that soon, we won't be able to breed fresh air in that area! Thousands of people are now living in the area. Just check the traffic jam in the morning, in the rush hours and any blind man would see that this is a situation that is going to be hell to handle soon! But they had "A VISION"!

But what is more frustrating is the deforestation done by some individuals to the rest of the hills that is not destroyed by the bulldozers! Every day, as I look to the hills, I can see that trees are disappearing! The fire keeps burning day and night! Yes, the koal keels are legion in the hills! I have brought this to the attention of the actual government through their services for Environmental Issues and yet our hills are burning away!!!

Are we going to become like Haïti???? Today, we can all see: THEY ARE PAYING THEIR DUES! A drop of rain becomes a killer flood! Our country seems to be running on automatic pilot! No one seems to be aware of this situation. If I can notice what is going on, Why can't our leaders see it ? May it be those in majority or those in opposition!!! Is it because they just don't care about it? Is it due to personal interest for the Land owners?

I AM HEREBY ASKING THEM TO PLEASE PROTECT OUR HILLS AND LAND BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE ! STOP THE DEFORESTATION OF CONCORDIA HILLS.

May it be by the SEMSAMAR or whoever! Enough apartments, enough buildings ! These leaders were in opposition under Mayor Albert Fleming and as I can recall it was our "cheval de bataille" ( major fighting cause) !!! Short memories? In my opinion, it has even become worse! Is it for the love of the money?

The situation is grave. We all know that global warming is if great concern for all countries. We get signs every day: Australia, Brazil, Haïti……Europe, Africa. So please, I am appealing to you who are in charge of our country, PLEASE take actions before it’s too late!

 

Aline CHOISY

A concerned eco-citizen.

Why isn't the government investigating the Fraud imposed by Royal Resort International on the Pelican Resort Owners? Richard Sutton, President of Royal Resorts and now exposed owner of QIT Financial which financed expenditures against Board of Director approval.

A "Pelican Capital Improvement Program" (PCIP) which owners contributed monies to improve the resort are now told that money is lost. But Mr. Richard Corso ,CEO of Royal Resorts who begged owners to participate in this PCIP program, also contributed $500,000 of his money to show his good faith. He has gotten his money reimbursed and explains it that his loan was secured and the rest of the investors weren't. How can one loan be secured and others not.

This is quite the case of fraud and deception. The Government of St Martin should be looking into to this case since so much of their revenue comes from the tourist and the timeshare owners are the tourists.

Regards,

Gerald Donatelli
Owner at Pelican

On behalf of the board of the grassroots St. Martin nation building-, and unification movement the SNBF and the Association L'Esprit de Concordia, I take pleasure in wishing all St. Martiners-, and residents of the island, the very best for a healthy-, safe-, prosperous and blessed New Year 2011.
We are proud to have been the undisputed 'trailblazers' for many others in taking the awareness- and importance of our St. Martin heritage-, and ancestral identity to another level.
Clearly-, as a consequence of our proud-, bold and courageous stance for over some 30 odd years-, a much easier path has been prepared for many others to now follow-, which we certainly applaud them in capitalizing on.
Meanwhile-, it seems needless to emphasize-, that we will continue to do what we do best.
That is to make use of our pride in our ancestral St. Martin heritage-, and identity-, which combined with bold-, and creative intelligence has become our main source in creating hope- and new social paradigms for the people of this island.
One such bold projects for 2011-, will see us taking freedom of expression to a level-, hitherto unprecedented on the island-, if not elsewhere in the world.
Consequently-, many outspoken voices-, which in the past have been denied free-, and public expression will experience possibilities-, once at best deemed SF (Science Fiction).
Since we some months ago-, just 'uttered' these plans-, already we witness many of the traditional-, 'old school' media-platforms 'scrambling' to 'boost' their ratings-, in an effort to 'stave off' anticipated competition-, in a sector,up till now dominated by 'preferential treatment'.
In addition-, while our movement will continue to champion the rights for native St. Martiners to 'come first at home'-, and to reclaim their ancestral identity and rights-, we also will place even more emphasis on our principle of including others as well-, who are making significant 'added value' to this island-, and to integrate them as St. Martiners.
In keeping with having duly recognized a number of persons for contributing with such added values in their own ways-, our movement will continue to welcome individuals-, and or organizations to play an active role in our movement.
For now they can contact either;
Albert ADAMS ('Jesse') 06 90 885223
Leopold JAMES 5204325 . 06 222841

Leopold James

An entrepreneur is a person who has possession of a new enterprise, venture or idea and assumes significant accountability for the inherent risks. Innovation is invention plus introduction, and it is increasingly seen as crucial for economies and governments alike. Expanding economies no longer produce more of the same products, but rather ever more new products with additional value. Innovation is today the most important driver of economic growth. It relies upon a social climate supporting entrepreneurship within a culture of economic and intellectual freedom. Wise policymakers (legislator or parliamentarians or senators) understand the need to encourage this kind of "innovation. The key to harvest entrepreneurs and innovators is to make sure taxes across the board remains low. Remember these people is taking risk to create a new business, and it is only wise and natural you will try something new where your chances is better to succeed which is in an economy of low taxes. Government does not create jobs the private sector does. The private sectors (which are the entrepreneurs and innovators) will only try something new if we keep especially our turn over tax and sale tax low. Tax free or tax reduction is good for a tourist economy, what we have to do as a country is to make sure that the workers is not treated in an unfair manner, we have to explain the entrepreneurs and innovators that permanent employment as long as you're doing business should be factor in as part of your risk. It is my advice to government that any company be it local or foreign that is employing more than 50 people permanently should get a 2 years tax break. Increase in employment is increase in income tax. Those over 200 workers once they agree with permanent employment will get 10 years tax break. As we have seen already this year that our revenues of turn over tax has decrease. This is because entrepreneurs and innovators prefer to venture in new business some other place and it deters investment in our economy. Where government can increase tax is specifically in two areas, which are sale of alcohol and tobacco. We can call it a consumption tax, I personally will increase taxes on the collection of garbage because for a tourist island StMaarten is to dirty and we should impose fines for people who litter with punishment in prison if necessary. I personally believe that all Dutch citizens of St. Maarten who venture into a new business should get one year tax free. I see it as promoting ownership of country. There are certain articles that should be amended in our constitution; our constitution is written in a manner that will harvest corrupt legislators, senators or parliamentarians that is interesting in using parliament and government as a tool for self enrichment. This is exactly what entrepreneurs and innovators do not trust. Entrepreneurs and innovators like to create business in an honest and legal system that is fair to all people. Parliament should be the example of moral & ethics, but presently in our parliament what is taking place is a environment that is not fit to lead people when many of them is breaking ethics that they should be a living example of. The conclusion is that low taxes in a tourist economy will harvest entrepreneurs and innovation. It is up to you St. Maarten to be wise and do the right things that will foster economic good.

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Dear Mr. ARRINDELL,

Along with many, I too heard you this afternoon, Monday, January 17, 2010 on Lloyd Richardson's 'show'.
And a 'show' it was indeed.
Alas, one fraught with blatant bias and hypocrisy on the part of the 'award-winning' host.
All of a sudden, Mister Man is demanding that his guests are people with 'degrees' to qualify as such.
I remember once been complimented as an 'educated fool' by the 'award-winner'.
Of course, at that time it did not matter to him that this 'educated fool' was one of the very few St. Martiners with a drs.-degree in Biology on St.Maarten.
Nor that 'this educated fool' was the founding-, and first director of both the havo and vwo sections of the MPC.
Perhaps, if the name of the 'educated fool' was another one than Leopold JAMES, it would have seriously mattered.
Now, when you called in today and offered to be on his program to give your opinion on the matter, the 'award-winner' questioned whether or not you were qualified enough to be invited and had the papers to 'prove' being knowledgeable.
This because he would not allow for 'uneducated' people to be his guest and to 'mis-educate' his listeners.
Mon dieu, wattating.
Talking about blatant bias and hypocrisy.
By the way, what degrees, if any does the 'award-winner' himself have to be able to inject his very intellectual opinion on a daily basis into the minds of the listeners ?
But then again, perhaps having been appointed 'award-winner' , is the most credible degree anyhow can ever hope to achieve to be a talk-show host on the 'Friendly island'.
In ending Olivier, as a listener, I would have liked to hear what you had to say and to be able to make my own opinion AFTERWARDS.
Having the 'award-winner' decide that I was not to hear what you had to say as guest, is barely tolerable to me and I am sure many others as well.

Leopold JAMES

To whom it may concern,
I have for may years been a frequent visitor of your beautiful island. I visit on the average twice a year . My wife and I made it our second home, with hopes to someday retire their. We did not just happen to visit it was someplace my parents got me hooked on. They were one of the original Pelican owners. I guess we can say we have seen many changes through the years , some positive and some not so much. We saw the previous issues with the resort industry (i.e.. Pelican, Maho) and figured we had learned .
The island of St. Marteen has had ample time to figure out the resort timeshare industry if it truly cared about tourism . I am utterly disgusted by the fact that island government and its officials would continue allow these corrupt practices to continue. Why your officials would allow this to happen is beyond me, it appears the corruption runs deep. They should have never allowed the foreclosure to occur, yet they did. The implications of this sale are far more reaching than believe they could have even imagined. I along with thousands of owners are soured, not only by the actions of the corrupt involved, but by the island itself. How can tourism flourish in such an area. It appears now that not only the owners will suffer, but so too will the employees. They have a plan for the employees also, don't be naive. Someone needs to step in and make this right for all. DURING THESE DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES WORLD WIDE WE MUST REALIZE THE IMPLICATIONS THESE DECISIONS HAVE AND HOW FAR REACHING THEY ARE. I believe there are enough people who don't think timeshares work and your investment is not safe in another country. I thought the island of St. Marteen was better than that.
I would like to believe that all is well in the would and all things will turn out right, but I am skeptical. You must review the actions of all involved and make this right. It will not only effect your people, but thousand who for decades have made and enjoyed their home away from home. I feel it is time to find a new FRIENDLY vacation destination.

Donna Marie Realty

Georgetown Guyana:--- Police Wednesday evening confirmed that it was indeed a fragmentation grenade that exploded, killing one man and injuring 19 others earlier in the day.
"Parts of a fragmented grenade have been recovered by the team of investigators which include police explosives experts, and it is believed that "American" was holding it in his hand at the time of the explosion," said police in a statement.
The mid-morning incident occurred in one of the rickety wooden shops on the parapet south east of the Stabroek Market when a device exploded.
Among the injured was a 4-year old child.
At about 1045h. today the police responded to an explosion which occurred at Brickdam and Cornhill Street, Georgetown, in the Stabroek Market area, where they found the body of a male of African ethnicity, who is known as "American", with his left hand blown off and his face partly damaged, police said.
From initial investigations it is suspected that the explosion may have been caused by a grenade which also resulted in injury to eighteen other persons who received medical treatment at the GPHC.
At the time of this press release ranks of the crime scene unit were still combing the scene for any further clues as to what may have happened.
The names of the injured are listed below.
Police Chief of Criminal Investigations, Seelall Persaud would only say that there was an explosion and that the crime-scene was being processed.
The location where the explosion occurred
Bomb experts from the security forces were deployed to the area which was cordoned off and secured by police on horseback and others heavily armed with automatic weapons.
Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle told reporters at the scene that immediately after the explosion, the fire service responded and rushed several of the injured to the hospital.
"Some of the injured persons ran to the fire station and we started to move them and we sent out a unit here, the constabulary cordoned off the area... Of course, it was chaos here to get the people out," said Gentle.
The Georgetown Public Hospital said that at 10:41h, the following persons were brought to the Accident and Emergency Unit following an explosion at the Stabroek Market Square:

1. Marvyn Adams, age 30, of 248 First St. Mocha; injury to left arm
2. Seon Barrow, age 4, of 3 Bagotsville, WCD; injury to left shoulder.
3. Gampattie Mohanlall, age 66, of 21 Timehri, EBD; injury to left foot.
4. Irfan Alli, age 42, of 54 Stuartville, WCD; injuries to right eye and left thigh.
5. Victorine Campbell, age 76, of 19 New Hope, EBD; injury to right shoulder.
6. Clayton Alleyne, age 30, of 318 Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke Highway; injury to right eye.
7. Egbert Austin, age 40, of 74 Soesdyke, EBD; puncture wound to the abdomen and admitted to the Male Surgical Ward.
8. Ester Sutherland, age 55, of 44 Palm Street; injury to the neck.
9. Avis Davidson, age 49, of 59 Laretrait WCD; sustained burns about the body.
10. Surjpattie Rajkumarie, age 63, of 213 Grove Squatting Area EBD;
    injuries to the left shoulder and skull.
11. Sandra Harrilall, age 33, of 81 Diamond Housing Scheme; injury to
    the right shoulder.
12. Trefa Hinds, age 31, of Cummings Lodge, ECD; injuries to the eyes and jaw.
13. Dennis DeFreitas, age 50, of32 Robb Street, G/T; sustained a
    puncture wound to the left forearm.
14. Malvina David, age 67, of 4 Aubrey Barker Road, S/R/V; injury to
    the right thigh.
15. Randolph Browne, age 34, of 538 Mocha Housing Scheme; injuries to
    the neck and upper leg.
16. Allen Daniels, age 50, of 23 #41 Village, WCB; injury to the chin.
17. Edward Dalton, age 38, of 76 Hyde Park, Timehri, EBD; injuries to
    the left leg, thigh and neck.
18. Shane Wiggins, age 28, of 33 1st Herstelling, EBD
19. Unknown, male of African descent; multiple injuries about the body.

Alleyne and Hinds were sent to the Main Operating Theater while the others were sent for X-Rays. An update on their condition will be issued later.

It is noteworthy that the persons who were involved in this incident were all treated within an hour of their arrival at the A&E. Doctors,
nurses and other A&E staff worked meticulously to ensure that all victims were treated in a timely and efficient manner.

Demerara Waves

ST. MAARTEN (Jan. 18, 2011) – The faces of St. Maarten's underprivileged youth wore bright smiles on Kingdom Day as Royal Resorts Caribbean sponsored its annual Toys for Tots program at Pelican Resort Club in Simpson Bay. The vital program was first launched in 2008 for the children of St. Maarten who would otherwise go without that special Christmas feeling.

"As we are all aware, Christmas is a time when people all around the world visit with family and friends and show they care by sharing gifts," said Jules James, general manager for Pelican Resort Club, pictured to the right at last month's program. "With Royal Resorts Caribbean's support, we are able to put smiles on the faces of little children who would not ordinarily receive any gifts for the Christmas holiday season," he added.

More than 60 children from foster homes and other children's organizations were brought to Pelican Resort Club where several employees served as volunteers and treated the children to an afternoon of gifts, snacks and large inflatable games. Of course, Santa Claus was also on hand to present the gifts ranging from educational materials and clothing to dolls, board games and sports equipment such as basketballs, footballs and volleyballs.

"This year has been a difficult one for many, but it takes just a few minutes to stop and think about those who are less fortunate and everything falls into perspective," said Richard Corso, CEO of Royal Resorts Caribbean. "Seeing the smiles on those kids' faces was the best Christmas gift we could have hoped for and it makes everything else seem trivial in comparison."

Royal Resorts Caribbean

With 35 years of resort management experience, primarily in Cancun and Riviera Maya, Royal Resorts Caribbean operates three properties in the Caribbean with more than 350 employees. The company manages more than 40,000 timeshare intervals for nearly 20,000 families and provides a variety of services for resorts including full operations management, vacation ownership sales and vacation rentals.

Aside from Pelican Resort Club and its newest property in St. Maarten, the Pelican Marina Residences, Royal Resorts Caribbean manages Costa Linda Beach Resort in Aruba and the Royal Sea Aquarium Resort in Curaçao, which is located on a private island right next to the world-famous Curaçao Aquarium.

The company is also in negotiations with a number of additional resorts facing operational challenges due to a range of factors including the economic downturn.

The Royal Resorts Group was founded in 1974 in Cancun, Mexico. Now with over 60,000 members, Royal Resorts has been listed among the top-rated resort companies in the world since 1975. The resorts have received the coveted Five Star Rating from Interval International every year since 1983 when that rating was first established. Since 2008, they have also been classified as Premier Resorts in the Interval International Resort Recognition Program, the highest distinction awarded to resorts that offer an outstanding vacation experience.

For more information, please visit www.royalresortscaribbean.com or contact Reyna Soriano Bustos at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Great Bay (GIS):--- Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, says the meeting on Thursday between the Council of Ministers and the Corporate Council was of an informative nature.

Prime Minister Wescot told the Government Information Service (GIS) that the meeting had a two-fold purpose: "The council sometime ago had requested a meeting and secondly the Council of Ministers wanted to get an update from the corporate council on any recent developments."

"An ordinance of May 2009 extends the authority of the Corporate Council to such a degree that some parts can be considered as infringing upon the authority of management of the companies. This point was brought up to us by the Corporate Council and needs to be studied by government for possible adjustments.

"Another point, the budget for the Corporate Council to function, while submitted on more than one occasion, is tied up in the question of the financing of the Corporate Council, which according to the ordinance should be done by the corporate institutions according to a division key, which key has not been established.

"Then we have the question of the Antillean corporate governance law, which also exists and has been "handed down" to us. We have to decide with which we will continue. The Corporate Council also presented its plan of action for our comments," Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams told the GIS on Thursday.

The Hon. Eugene Hamilton will lead a delegation of the St.Kitts-Nevis Opposition Party People's Action Movement to Montserrat on Friday 21st January to attend the State Funeral of former Chief Minister of Montserrat Dr. John Alfred Osborne.

Dr. Osborne died in the United State at the dawn of the New Year on Sunday 2nd January. He was the longest serving statesman in Montserratian history and left a strong legacy both at home and in the wider region. He served for 35 years including two stints as Chief Minister.

"It is very important that we honour and pay respect to those who have paved the way for the standard of living we enjoy today" Mr. Hamilton said in an interview. "This is especially important when we refer to leaders who worked hard for the respect that these smaller islands can now command within the wider CARICOM as well as further afield" Mr. Hamilton continued..

Dr. Osborne's body was repatriated on Sunday 16th January and the funeral will be held on Friday 21st January at the Montserrat Cultural Centre. His body will lie in State from 8:00 am until noon. The official observance will begin at 2:00pm after the cortege makes it way from the government headquarters in Brades to the Montserrat Cultural Centre.

The Late former Chief Minister, Dr. John Alfred Osborne will be laid to rest at the St. Peters Anglican Church cemetery on Saturday 22 January at approximately 8:00am.

Basseterre, St.Kitts (January 24th 2010):- In an exciting and energetic atmosphere at Parrays Village, St.Peters on Sunday evening the People's Action Movement kicked off there "Better Days Must Come under PAM" 2011 campaign.
The inaugural 2011 meeting featured presentations by Deputy Political Leader Hon. Shawn K. Richards as well as constituency representative Hon. Eugene Hamilton and party leader Lindsay Grant. The meeting is the first of a series of meeting s during the week of January 23rd to January 29th which forms part of the celebratory 1st anniversary week of activities of the Hon. Hamilton.

The large crowd of party supporters and residents of the area were obviously captivated by the presentations of each of the speakers of the evening as they addressed the issues of the day including crime and the economy.

The audience however was most boisterous and animated in their support when leader Lindsay Grant came to the podium and declared to the crowd that he will not be silenced.

"They have tried everything to prevent me from speaking and championing the cause of the people of this country. They want to muzzle me, they paid millions to doctor a tape to try and discredit me, they threaten me, they threaten me family but I want to tell them now that they will have to WIPE ME OUT to silence me, " says Grant

"Our people are suffering too much for me to be quiet. The VAT, crime and electricity is burdening our people too much for me to be mute. Our country is too far into the depths of despair for me to keep still. I have to speak and I want you to let them know that their attempts to silence me has only awaken me," Grant continued

"We are cognizant of the strategies that are being used in an attempt to get at me and this great party that I am privileged to lead, but we will continue to remain steadfast in our positions and efforts to champion the cause of the people and give hope to the hopeless, voice to the voiceless and strength to the weak," Grant assured

The People's Action Movement will be holding the 2nd of its Public Meeting Series on Thursday in Conaree Village.

U.S. Vice Consul Winifred Hofstetter and Drug Enforcement Administration Country Attaché Micheal Rzepczynski held student visa and anti-drug presentations for students in St. Maarten.
Vice Consul Hofstetter presented an overview of the student visa process for the United States, spoke about documents and materials needed, and gave information about completing the DS-160 online visa application.
Over 671,000 international students studied in the U.S. in 2009. The U.S. offers schools to appeal to a variety of wants and needs. Educational institutions include small, specialized colleges and large university campuses with programs ranging from undergraduate, graduate and beyond all across the United States. The Consulate General in Curacao offers visa interviews to prospective students who meet the qualifications to interview there.
For more information about student visas and studying in the U.S., please visit our webpage at http://curacao.usconsulate.gov or the State Department Education site at http://educationUSA.state.gov/.
DEA Country Attaché Rzepczynski said educating future students about the dangers of drug abuse is a priority for the governments of the United States and St. Maarten.
The presentation took place Thursday, January 6, in Philipsburg, organized in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, with the assistance of and Mr. Quincy Harrigan and Ms. Irene Gaari. The Vice Consul would like to thank all individuals involved in organizing and attending the presentations.

SchoolNews, the island’s first publication specializing in education and families, published by Jabez Consulting Group N.V. (JCG) and sponsored by dozens of area businesses, will be officially released on Monday, January 17^th. SchoolNews will serve to motivate St. Maarten families to the benefits of a good education and to the threats that now face our children. Dedicated to the memory of the late Vance James, Jr. and featuring likely the last interview of Mr. James, the magazine is a special tribute to this great man.  Mrs. Terry James, Vance James’ widow, will be presented a copy of the magazine during the unveiling ceremony.  As well, and immediately following the launching at the SXM Academy, SchoolNews will be distributed to students by JCG and the principals of the Milton Peters College and of the St. Dominique High School at their respective schools.

Where: St. Maarten Academy

When: Monday, January 17^th 2011

Time:      7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Contact: Mr. Robert Espitia – Cell: 522-1554 / 522-6277

Program guide by/at the SXM Academy is as follow:

1. MC. Mr. Shareed Hussain – Principal SXM Academy

2. St. Maarten song.....Student

3. Prayer.......student

4. School Board

5. Launching.......Robert Espita – Publisher and JCG Director

Background:  In Sep 2007, Jabez Consulting Group N.V. (JCG) organized a forum for some of the island’s best educational minds as well as leader of Government and law gathered in a seminar panel to address the challenges and opportunities facing St. Maarten school children.  The seminar, Education: The Lifeblood of St. Maarten, presented an honest view of education on the island.  As a follow-up, JCG published SchoolNews in order to reach more members of the community.  SchoolNews features original articles with enlightening insight on parenting and education.  As well, several interviews of local business, community leaders and school principals add a personal touch to the magazine.

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (GIS) – The Collective Preventive Services (CPS) which is part of the Ministry of Public Health, says its travel advisory to Hispanola (Haiti, Dominican Republic) remains in force due to the cholera outbreak which has claimed 3,889 persons as of January 16. The cumulative number of cholera cases in Haiti stands at 194,095 also as of the aforementioned date according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Haiti Ministry of Health.

The number of cases in Haiti is projected to climb to 400,000 in the first 12 months, with half of them in the first three months.

Persons who plan to travel to Hispanola are advised to take preventive measures. Ensure taking vital precautions such as ensuring hygienic food preparation, boiling or purifying all water, and washing hands often with soap and clean water.

The CPS continues to monitor the cholera situation with the assistance of the family physicians and its weekly syndromic surveillance system.

Family physicians are on alert to report any symptoms of cholera. Cholera is on the list of diseases under surveillance according to the International Health Regulations. It is one of the diseases that are required for immediate reporting by physicians even if it is suspected.

Cholera is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water. It causes severe diarrhea and vomiting that can lead to dehydration and death within hours.

About 75 per cent of people infected with cholera do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their feces for seven to 14 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.

Cholera is transmitted through fecal contamination of water and food. In places where there is infrastructure damage, the lack of safe drinking water and poor sanitation and hygiene can increase the risk of cholera, as well as numerous other diarrhea diseases.

Cholera is easily treatable, and if patients are given oral re-hydration salts promptly to replace lost fluids, and they can nearly always be cured.

In a small percentage of people, cholera can cause very severe dehydration potentially leading to death. To minimize the number of people infected, frequent hand washing, personal hygiene, safe water use and food preparation are a necessity.

By taking a few basic precautions, cholera as well as most other food and water-borne diseases can easily be prevented. The main rule is, always be aware of the quality of what you eat and drink when you are traveling to Hispanola.

As the area where one man was killed and 19 others injured by a fragmentation grenade remained sealed off for further investigations; Police Commissioner Henry Greene, said the dead man might have been involved in selling the explosive device.

The dead man was known only as 'American' and he was a drug-addict who did odd-jobs including the movement of arms or illegal substances in exchange for small payments.

"It would appear as though he might have had this thing in his hand either waiting to sell or whatever he might have been doing we're not sure but he had to play with it to pull the pin," Greene told a news conference he shared with Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee.

You can click here to read details of the explosion and the names of those injured.

Other related theories, according to Greene, were that 'American' was possibly waiting in the ramshackle stall, south east of Stabroek Market at the corner of Brickdam and Lombard Street, waiting to sell or give the grenade to someone.

The Police Commissioner lamented the congested nature of the area where the device exploded, saying that when vehicles park in that vicinity the area is almost sealed off.

'Therefore it's ideal for that sort of sale of ammunition, sale of grenades and sale of firearms and we suspect that this man is one of the men being used when they transfer arms or transfer some illegal substance," said Greene.

When demerarawaves.com visited the area late Wednesday night, the stall was demolished and the area cordoned off and being guarded by police.

And just a stone's throw away, a detachment of the Georgetown City Constabulary was busy demolishing stalls and taking them away to the Le Repentir landfill site.

Hundreds of vendors who sell bread, clothing, phone-cards, fruits and vegetables, bottled beverages and DVD Movies were all displaced.

A senior member of the City Constabulary, when told that the vendors would return next week, retorted that when the politicians say they should be allowed to sell, then they would.

Demerara Waves

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto says that the Sint Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) interpretation of the changes to the Turn over Tax (ToT) law are incorrect including the analysis by Van Vliet of Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC).

The Minister says he has also taken note of the SHTA letter to the National Ombudsman of January 9, 2011 in connection with the recently approved Ordinance to amend the Law on ToT.

"This misinterpretation and misinformation to the business community and the public at large will only lead to confusion and un-necessary worry. The Ministry of Finance has provided an elaborate explanation to Van Vliet with respect to the changes to the law.

"On January 7, 2011 in an elaborate email, the Ministry of Finance took the time to explain to Mr. van Vliet of PWC, and who is also a board member of the SHTA and the Foundation Tax Committee, that his interpretation of articles five (5) and 11 is not completely correct.

"There is indeed an omission in the ordinance, but that would be solved via what is known as a "reparatiewet" corrective law. Even if this reparatiewet was not done, which it will be done, even in such a situation the current law would not have led to the undesired situation as presented by the SHTA in its explanation in a letter to the ombudsman.

"The law operates under a clause known as the "hardheidsclausule" whereby taxpayers can appeal their case when the law leads to consequences which were clearly not intended by the legislature. Any tax advisor would know this," the Minister of Finance pointed out on Sunday.

Minister Shigemoto in his comments on the SHTA letter to the National Ombudsman, had the following to say: "I find it difficult to understand why the SHTA after receiving an explanation from the Ministry of Finance, still decided to write a letter to the National Ombudsman complaining about the lack of cooperation with the SHTA with the compilation of the Ordinance on the Turnover Tax.

"Although as Minister of Finance I explained in detail to the SHTA the unfortunate but realistic circumstances under which the government was forced to come to this temporary solution, still at this stage such an action is undertaken.

"It should be noted that the ordinance has been established in compliance with all constitutional requirements and is therefore legal. Moreover, "Goods" are also taken up in the old Article five (5), paragraph three (3). The amendment will therefore only be applicable to services in order to restore the level playing field. For "Goods", the old situation will be maintained," Minister Hiro Shigemoto pointed out.

The Minister says that an information campaign will commence within short where representatives of the Ministry of Finance will be providing information to the community with respect the increase in ToT from three to five per cent.

"The provision of information is essential in order to avoid situations of mis-information. Professional organizations as well as other well known personalities within our community should have all the facts at hand and a complete understanding of the issue before making public statements which only creates confusion.

"The Government looks forward to working with all social partners in order to reach an understanding where all interests are taken into consideration leading to a new tax regime that covers the national budget of the country.

"The basis of the relationship has to be on the principles of trust. If there is no trust and we choose to communicate in such a manner then how will this help to lead to a professional, productive and constructive environment which should serve as a working platform between government and its social partners in coming to a better tax system for Country Sint Maarten?," Minister Shigemoto questioned.

Great Bay (GIS):--- Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, met with Aruba's Prime Minister Mike Eman on Friday while in transit to St. Eustatius.

Wescot met Eman at Sonesta Maho Reef Beach Hotel where they followed-up on discussions from the early December tri-partite summit that took place in Aruba and also included the Prime Minister of Curacao Gerrit Schotte.

Some of the points discussed at the December summit were the Ministerial Cooperation Council, attracting European investors to the Dutch Caribbean, funds from the European Union, set-up of joint work groups, and the June tripartite consultation between the three countries of the Dutch Caribbean. The summit resulted in the Agreement of Arikok being signed back in December.

"The Aruban Prime Minister was quite impressed with the developments on Sint Maarten as it has been some time since his last visit to the island," Hon. Prime Minister Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto announced on Tuesday that three of the five member board of directors for the national General Pension Fund (APS) Sint Maarten have been appointed. The other two members will be appointed shortly.

Board members are Franklyn E. Richards (chairman), Richards F. Gibson (member) and Eunicio S. Martina (member). The members are appointed for a two-year period.

A three member investment committee consisting of experts still has to be appointed. They will advise the board of directors on how to invest the monies which have to be invested according to the 60-40 rule established by the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten.

At least 60 per cent has to be invested locally and up to a maximum 40 per cent can be invested externally.

A managing director will also be appointed within short in order to manage the pension administration as well as the employees.

"This is a significant development for our country. The potential with respect to the fund investing in the country is tremendous and must be done in a responsible manner in order to safeguard the pension fund for future generations.

"Careful study and analysis with respect to the long-term is necessary when we look at increasing pensions for our senior citizens. There is great potential for our society and we must manage the fund in a responsible manner in order to ensure its sustainability and longevity," Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto said on Tuesday.

Great Bay (GIS):--- Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, on Tuesday afternoon met with representatives of the Sint Maarten Communication Union (SMCU) in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall.

The union reps wanted to get an update from the Prime Minister with respect to policies related to Post N.V. and the future of the Sint Maaten Telephone Company and SMITCOMS.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto left the island on Wednesday to attend a number of meetings on Curacao.

On Thursday morning the minister will be meeting with the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT with respect to the 2011 budget; Sint Maarten's candidate for the CFT board; review of the project related to financial management; among other matters.

On the same day, Minister Shigemoto will be attending the launch of the Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange (DCSX) at the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten.

The DCSX has as its mission to become an international exchange for listing and trading of domestic and international securities.

The DCSX will provide a time and cost efficient listing for international and regional corporations and investment funds, furnishing an alternative to the Anglo-Saxon regulatory requirements of the regional exchanges in other jurisdictions.

It will further complement the international financial sector and serve as an extension to the menu of services currently offered by the local financial services community.

Minister Shigemoto is tentatively scheduled to meet with Curacao's Minister of Finance George R.M. Jamaloodin on Friday to discuss matters related to the Central Bank.

In an interview with Leopold James, founder and president of the grassroots St. Martin nation building movement, he motivated in detail the reasons for the selection of Leopold's persons of the Year 2010.

No-one can deny that Leopold James is a man driven with a passion to preserve the native St. Martin people and their cultural- identity and heritage.

But despite, his non-compromising principle that St. Martiners should come first in their own country, he is also a great proponent for inclusion of others in the process of St. Martin nation building.

Proof of this desire to include is clearly refelected in his choice of Leopold's persons of the year 2010.

Together with Mr. Hilbert HAAR, Managing Editor of the TODAY newspaper, Bibi HODGE-SHAW, owner of the website www.smn-news.com, was recognized as Leopold's # 1 person of the Year 2010.

They earned this distinction based among others by exposing corruption within the Government of St. Maarten as never before-, by taking investigative reporting to an unprecedented level.

By doing so, they contributed significantly to informing the St. Martin people of issues of great importance to them.

On Friday, January 21, 2010, Bibi went to Pete's-photo studio, where the pictures are taken and ID's printed to collect her honorary St. Martin ID-card. (PICTURE) Other persons who also were recognized by Leopold as persons of the year 2010 are, Eldrige van PUTTEN, Gerard BIJNSDORP, Jeffrey RICHARDSON and Olivier ARRINDELL.

They all have been recognized as having contributed in their own personal ways towards an 'added value' to our community and to the empowerment of St. Martin people.

As token of recognition all these recipients have been bestowed an honorary (cultural) St. Martin ID-card, which most have promised to collect.

Mr. HAAR, also published an article entitled Honorary ID under the section Today Opinion & Commentary in the TODAY news paper of today, Friday, January 21, 2011.

It is becoming very evident that this ID-card, is the only factor that not only takes the identity of the St. Martin people to the 'next level', but by also been given out to others, with an 'added value' to our community, , embodies hope, harmony and integration as part of the St. Martin nation building- and unification process.

Especially, given the growing frustrations of so many who feel marginalized, this ID-card has a great potential to create a sense of hope and direction for native St. Martiners as well as others, who genuinely are longing for a process of healing to take place within our community.

The potentials of the ID-cardholders as a specific stakeholder- group /constituency signifies a real paradigm shift on the island.

Although,a major promotion campaign for the St. Martin ID-card, still has to take place, Leopold James already is receiving so many suggestions from people on the island and via the internet for the ID-card.

These range from business willing to give the card-holders special benefits, to even certain business considering for the card to be used as proof of a 'pre-screening' for persons seeking employement etc.

It seems that the time is not too distant when this particular document will become something no-one will be able to neglect, let alone get around.

Persons interested in as St. Martin ID-card, can contact Mr. Leopold James (5204325 / 06-90 222841 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for more information on how to qualify for the St. Martin ID-card, or go to website ww.stmartinnation.org

Due to an investigation held by police officers on Friday January the 21st 2011 at the Brooks Towers Accord, the Minister of Justice Mr. Roland E. Duncan has suspended the issuing of resident permits under BTA until further notice.
We kindly ask the public to monitor the newspapers and other media sources closely as we will be announcing when BTA will be resuming through them.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto says he is pleased with the outcome of the meeting that he had with union leaders from the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union (WICSU/PSU), Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) and the ABVO on Wednesday afternoon. He adds that he fully understands and sympathizes with the position of the unions and by extension their members, however the reality of the situation is also clear.

"There is a deficit for which proposals were made to reduce the deficit to zero. Due to several factors, such as, the severity of the situation – deficit – the fact that this country need Naf.444 million to run the business of the people, as well as the fact that the government has to build many much needed institutions from scratch for which no additional funds were received, certain measures – some of which were extremely unpopular – had to be taken in order to try and avoid measures being taken against this new born country," Minister Shigemoto pointed out.

The only point where no concrete agreement could be reached is the first resolution where the unions and memberships want the total balance of the cost of living adjustment for 2006, 2007 and 2009 to be paid out by February month end, with interest. The National Alliance led government in August 2010 took an Executive Council decision to have the 5.3 per cent paid out to teachers.

The Honourable Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto explained to the union leaders about the situation that the new government of country Sint Maarten were confronted with after they took office on October 11, finding a budgetary deficit of between Naf.80 and Naf.130 million left behind by the National Alliance, and Government had to take responsible actions in order to present a balanced budget by December 15 according to agreements made with The Netherlands regarding public finances.

"The decisions taken by the Honourable Council of Ministers and the Parliament of our country were painful, but necessary and taken in a responsible manner and in the interests of the people, civil servants and teachers of our country.

"Seeing the hard work and dedication that our teachers put into their work on a daily basis, and recognizing that the 5.3 per cent is long overdue and goes as back to 2006, Government and Parliament still saw room within public finances to pay out a cost of living adjustment of 2.0 per cent in January 2011 with the remainder of 3.3 per cent in 2012. The reason for this split is that there was more budgetary room in 2012 to allow for a higher percentage.

"Based on discussions with union leaders on Wednesday, I have proposed with respect to union resolution one, to meet again with the unions at the end of June 2011 to evaluate the revenues received from the increase in Turn over Tax, and assess if the remainder of the 3.3 per cent could be paid out in 2011. This proposal is being put into writing.

"Our country is very fortunate when we look at developments around the world where public sector workers are being laid off, benefits are being cut out, and salaries are being reduced. Based on our own circumstances of achieving country status and having to set up a country government structure from scratch, based on having to present a balanced budget, I believe we have done well, and our teachers can rest assured that they will get what is due to them, but we are just asking for understanding and some leeway in the interests and welfare of the people of the island," Honourable Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto explained on Thursday after informing the Council of Ministers about his meeting with the unions.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto says that salaries were sent to the banks on Thursday afternoon and agreements were made with two of the banks where the majority of the civil servants have their accounts to have the salaries credited to their accounts today January 28, 2011.

The other banks due to the smaller amount of civil servants banking with those financial institutions, they may process payments quicker due to the small number mentioned banking with them.

This is the first month that the payrolls from the former Federal Government departments are being run in the payroll system of the Government of Sint Maarten.

From 10-10-10 until December 31, 2010 these payrolls were still implemented by a company which the former Federal Government had a contract with to provide payroll services.

"Naturally all efforts were made to have as accurate a payroll as possible given the circumstances, however, as in any transition period there could be discrepancies for which we apologize.

"We are asking those who notice any discrepancies to please note these down and bring them to the attention of their respective department head or the Salaries and Wages Department or Mrs. Cassandra Wilson of the Finance Department in order to have these corrected as soon as possible.

"The Government thanks civil servants for their cooperation and understanding in this matter as we go through this transition together and overcome some of the challenges that we confront on a daily basis in moving forward as a country," Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto said on Friday morning.

The Minister of Justice in Curacao, Mr Wilsoe in a radio interview on "Korsou Awe" (a radio Program) on Radio Direct in Curacao announced that he got information from Bonaire that the Government of Bonaire has made the decision that anyone who does not have residency in Bonaire will not be allowed to enter the island of Bonaire with a ID card or Driving License.

Persons will need to provide the immigration in Bonaire with a valid passport when they enter the island by sea or air.

He also mentioned that he will look into this matter seriously, because if it is so then he will issue the same treatment to everyone coming from Bonaire.

None residents in Curacao coming from Bonaire will not be allowed to enter with an ID card or Driving License they will have to show the immigration in Curacao a valid Passport to enter the island.

Glen Thomas the radio host of the news program "Korsou Awe" asked him if it will be applied for Saba and Statia however he said so far he only has info for Bonaire.

It is of importance to know what our Minister of Justice Mr Duncan will do when the Government of Saba and Statia does the same, by forcing none residents of BES to use their passport to enter the BES islands.

Source: "Korsou Awe" radio program, Radio direct 107, www.direct107.com

Paparazzi BBM News Services

GREAT BAY, St. Martin (January 9, 2011):--- House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP) has just released Book of Sins by Nidaa Khoury, a leading Palestinian poet from Israel, said publisher Lasana M. Sekou.
The new poetry collection is the eighth book by Khoury but her first full English translation with the full Arabic and Hebrew texts in the same book. "It is probably the first such publication for the Caribbean," said literary critic Fabian Badejo.
Nidaa Khoury is "One of the major exponents of modernist Arab women writing," said Israeli professor Yair Huri.
In Book of Sins, Khoury's poetry "is fired by belief in the human and the spiritual at a time when many of us feel unreal and often spiritually hollow," said Huri.
Book of Sins introduces the Middle Eastern poet to the Caribbean and the Americas, said Sekou.
Khoury's poems "are burning off the pages—with a rhythm embedded in fury and a beauty embedded in the ancient," said the South African novelist Antjie Krog.
Betsy Rosenberg translated what Huri calls "The exquisite purity of Khoury's style" in Book of Sins from the original Arabic into English and Hebrew.
This is HNP's third multilingual poetry book in less than one year. The St. Martin small press has also published literary giants such as George Lamming, Kamau Brathwaite, Amiri Baraka, Chiqui Vicioso, and Shake Keane.
Nidaa Khoury was born in the Galilee village of Fassuta in 1959. Her books include The Barefoot River, The Prettiest of Gods Cry, and The Bitter Crown. The latter was censored in Jordan. Her previous titles were published in Israel, Lebanon, and Egypt.
The Turkish author Karin Karakasli reviews Book of Sins as "Written in water and ink, in between the shed blood. Nidaa Khoury's poems take us to the bosom of an ancient woman... an archetype revived."
Khoury's work is studied in Israeli universities and widely reviewed by the Arab press. She is the founder of the Association of Survival, an NGO for minorities in Israel.
The poet has participated in over 30 international conferences such as the Conference of Arab Poets (Amsterdam), the Conference of Human Rights and Solidarity with the Third World (Paris), Poetry Africa, the Poetry Festival of Jordan, the International Poetry Festival of Medellin, the St. Martin Book Fair, and the Napoli Conference on Human Rights.
Khoury, a senior lecturer at Ben-Gurion University, is the subject of the recent award-winning film, Nidaa Through Silence. Sarab for Dance is also producing Khoury's poem "Portal to the Orient," which is in Book of Sins, for performance in Palestine.
Book of Sins is available at Van Dorp and Arnia's bookstores, www.Amazon.com, www.spdbooks.org, and www.houseofnehesipublish.com.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto says there won't be any additional fees or increases as indicated by National Alliance (NA) Honorable Member of Parliament (MP) William Marlin on Monday.

MP William Marlin said on Monday in the media that everything is going up and said indications were that electricity, water, garbage collection, and road tax would go up.

"Again this is irresponsible whereby an MP is creating unnecessary worry within the community. Why burden/mislead the people with such statements? The NA as the party in opposition in Parliament has the responsibility to present a balanced budget to the people of this country if they are not in agreement with the one the government presents.

"Come with a proposal for a balanced budget. Inform the people and fellow MPs how the NA would have balanced the budget. It is no longer the island council where it was customary to vote against for the sake of being opposition. We have a parliament now. MP's owe the people more than the simple words of "Against". They owe them a solution and not just saying they don't agree.

"The people have a right to know how the NA would have balanced the budget. Come with realistic proposals based on the current situation and the timeline that a balanced budget had to be presented. Instead of creating hysteria, come with an alternative budget for country Sint Maarten," Minister of Finance said on Wednesday.

Shigemoto added that the NA-led Government last year considered increasing the Turn over Tax to six percent. In addition, when the NA left office, they left the nation hanging with a budget deficit of between Naf.80 and Naf.130 million without being approved by the former NA-led Government which proves that even when it was in their hands they could not handle the pressure to make the responsible decisions that had to be taken at the time.

The NA has made reference to approximately Naf.77 million in Dutch funds that are left at the Central Bank, and why this wasn't used to cover the budget deficit.

The funds are related to a Transition Accord signed February 12, 2007 related to Dutch debt relief. "The question that should be asked is, why didn't the NA-led Government utilize those funds to balance the budget after considering increasing the ToT to six percent? The NA-led Government had several months to do this and they didn't," Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto pointed out.

"It is more about looking forward and not looking back and staying in the past. The country Sint Maarten needs to be developed into the 21st century given the current global economic and financial situation," the Minister of Finance concluded.

Philipsburg:--- Member of Parliament George Pantophlet wants to know why the Minister of Finance Mr. Hiro Shigemoto has not answered the questions he submitted to him on December 30, 2010 regarding the possibility of government collecting dividends from Government owned companies.
Pantophlet said he wants to know if the Minister did not receive the letter? The Minister and his government have vehemently pursued the increase of the turn over tax as the only solution to solving the 2011 Budget deficit with the excuse that time was short. But they are not looking at other alternatives except to increase taxes of course. Member of Parliament Pantophlet said he wants to know what is taking the finance Minister so long? If we are talking about looking forward then the behaviour of the past when members of the island council were ignored when asking questions should be just that, a thing of the past. As an elected Member of Parliament a representative of the people I am responsible for their social and economic development. This matter is of utmost importance to the people of St. Maarten. My questions are not of a political but of a financial nature. They are short and to the point. And while the Minister is hopefully busy preparing the answers he can also add the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to the list. Finally in the Budget of 2011 an amount of 25 million guilders is mentioned as dividends budgeted from the Central Bank. Please give us an explanation. After all it is about dividends.

Philipsburg:--- Planning for the third annual St. Maarten Lions Health and Wellness Fair, which is scheduled for Saturday 26th March at the Festival Village, has begun. The organizing committee met on Saturday last to discuss and distribute tasks among the membership, including the contacting of stakeholders and participants and review of logistics.
Chairperson of the Health Committee Lion Wally Havertong stated: "While the fair is approximately seven weeks away, there is a lot of planning involved. It is important that all stakeholders, including the Government's Health Department, Diabetes Foundation, insurance and medical services providers, White & Yellow Cross, Divico Distributors, Mental Health Foundation, among others, get on board as early as possible to guarantee the success of the fair for a third consecutive time. The fair has proven to be a medium through which all people, from all walks of life can obtain information on health issues, get tested free of charge and ultimately can take steps to get additional professional help or simply live a more healthier life based on the principles of information provided by the relevant stakeholders. I encourage all our past and potential stakeholders to contact our club and get on board early."
Stakeholders may contact Lions Wally Havertong, Jessica Vrolijk or Jimmy Challenger for registration via numbers: 520-3358 or 52-40497 or 52-33587. As is customary the club is preparing to arrange the provision of Food and Drink and the setting up of a kiddie's corner for parents wishing to bring their children along. Basically the event will remain a family affair, as heath awareness is for the young and old alike. The Club will commence a series of marketing initiatives to keep the public abreast of all developments leading up to the fair on March 26th.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto has responded to the questions he received from National Alliance (NA) Honorable Member of Parliament (MP) George Pantophlet with respect to a dividend policy..

MP: “Is it true that the Executive Council of the Island Territory of Sint Maarten has established a dividend policy for all government owned corporations?”

Minister: There is no dividend policy formulated by the former Executive Council of Island Territory of Sint Maarten nor by the Central Government of Sint Maarten, as far as we know for the latter.

MP: “If so, can you provide us with a copy of that policy and share with us the status of that policy? If not, why not?”

Minister: The policy has not been formulated.

MP: “In the event such a policy has never been established, can you inform us if you intend to introduce such a legislation in an attempt to see to it that dividend will be paid to the coffers of government?”

Minister: In our strive to balance the budget and keep it balanced,  the Finance department is in the process of investigating different alternative measures to increase revenue and/ or reduce costs. For that purpose a taskforce (Structurally Balanced Budget Team) has been put to work. Dividend strategy is one of the many topics being examined. A dividend policy will be developed by the end of the second quarter of 2011.

MP: “Are there otherwise any agreements between government and the government owned companies on how these companies will contribute to the coffers of government?”

Minister: Actually the most important arrangement is the concession-fee some of the government owned companies, like GEBE NV as well as the Harbor Holding which also contributes to government coffers . The Harbor Holding company also agreed to pay and is paying for beautification projects in the Philipsburg, St. Peters and South Reward districts.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto said on Monday that those present for the presentation on dollarization asked a range of questions covering the pros and cons.

Issues such as the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten's gold reserves, decreasing interest rates and other topics were touched upon.

Central Bank President Dr. Emsley Tromp gave an extensive presentation to the Council of Ministers, Bank Executives and representatives from the Foundation Tax Committee.

The presentation and question and answer session lasted about 90 minutes.

Philipsburg:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell would like to announce publicly that the Central Committee of Parliament will be meeting twice in public session on Thursday, January 20 starting at 2.00pm in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall.

During the first Central Committee meeting, Members of Parliament (MPs) will discuss the Pelican Resort. The second meeting will be about the Office of the Ombudsman.

With respect to the Pelican Resort issue, representatives of the Pelican Resort Simpson Bay Resort Company BV, the WIFOL Union and the Government Mediator K. Lopes, have been invited to attend the meeting in order to be able to provide information to MPs.

The aforementioned agenda point about the Pelican Resort was requested by the National Alliance (NA) faction in parliament.

MPs will discuss the formation plan of the Office of the Ombudsman as well as the various allowances of the Ombudsman in the second meeting.

There are four parliamentary factions that have representation in the Parliament of Sint Maarten, are the United Peoples party (UP), Democratic Party (DP), Independent Member of Parliament Patrick Illidge and the National Alliance (NA).

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Public Infrastructure Theo Heyliger signed a contract with Windward Roads to begin a drainage and infrastructural development project in Dutch Quarter.

Minister Theo Heyliger was joined by Head of New Projects Kurt Ruan, Windward Roads representative, and Head of VROM Louis Brown.

Philipsburg:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell says the search is on for a Secretary-General of Parliament. The process has reached the stage where the Presidium of Parliament has reached the interview/selection process.

On Wednesday the Presidium comprising of 1st Acting President of Parliament Honourable Member of Parliament (MP) Leroy de Weever, and 2nd Acting President of Parliament Honourable MP Patrick Illidge together with the Personnel & Organization Staff Member and the Interim Secretary-General Franklin Hanze, interviewed one of the candidates who applied for the job.

The selection process at this time is to appoint a Secretary-General and a first acting. President of Parliament Honourable Gracita Arrindell hopes to finalize this process within the next two to three weeks.

Thereafter, a proposal will be submitted to Parliament for approval. Arrindell hopes to have the majority of staff for the Secretariat of Parliament in place by the end of February.

The current interim Secretary-General Franklin Hanze, was appointed for a six-month period back in November 2010.

The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) met with Minister of Culture Rhoda Arrindell recently to apprise her of the preparations for Carnival 2011 as well as the actions undertaken by the foundation to regulate its finances.

Foundation members also wanted to hear from the Minister what her thoughts and vision was for the further development of Carnival on St. Maarten. "We've been looking forward to meeting for Minister Arrindell for quite some time, but schedules did not permit for an earlier meeting," President of the SCDF Stuart Johnson said.

"We know the Minister is passionate about culture and that passion was clearly on display in a very open, honest and down to earth discussion with her. We presented the Minister with our schedule, apprised her of the work thus far by the foundation and assured her that the SCDF is, as usual, working hard towards ensuring a successful Carnival season," Johnson said.

According to Johnson, key to the discussion was an update for the Minister on the financial reports of the foundation. Johnson said he was happy to inform the Minister that the report should be in government hands by the end of January and, in turn, "we will work on paying our outstanding fees and prizes with subsidy funds." A new structure for subsidy disbursement was also discussed.

"We will maintain close contact with the Minister's office as we continue to work towards Carnival 2011. After Carnival, we will seek to intensify those meetings and put more content to many of the issues that were raised by us as well as the Minister. We are grateful for the time she devoted to the SCDF and the support she showed," Johnson said.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto says the WICSU/PSU union were informed over the weekend that the GOA was notified by letter on December 28, 2010 about the issue of Cost of Living and the new indexation of the 2011 salary scales.

The Minister's letter is in response to the aforementioned union's letter of January 17, 2011.

Minister Shigemoto has also taken note of a meeting that the WICSU/PSU has called with civil servants for Monday, January 24 at 6.00pm, where one of the issues mentioned in the Minster's letter to the union will come up for discussion.

The Honourable Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto informed the union that the Council of Ministers has not approved any austerity measures to balance the 2011 budget having to do with the vacation allowance.

"My office and staff of the Ministry of Finance are available to provide factual information and clarity to issues of concern to civil servants. As a country we are going through challenging times and I don't believe in creating unnecessary worry amongst members of the civil servants corps based on in-correct information," the Minister said on Monday.

Minister Shigemoto added that the vacation allowance was never considered as a cost cutting measure, however, since the WICSU is promoting it as a measure, perhaps it should be considered.

Pelican:--- The 182 employees of the Pelican Resort Club, The Management NV has been terminated effective Wednesday January 26th 2011. The workers received a letter from the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Resorts Caribbean Richard Corso on Tuesday informing them that they are to remove their private belongings from the property and leave as they will no longer have access to the private property.
The letter from the CEO to the employees states that the ownership and pledged assets of Pelican Resort Club will be transferred on January 26th to the company who in auction on December 16th received the right to purchase the resort.
Pelican Resort Club and the new owners have been in negotiations with the WIFOL union for the hiring of the workers for weeks now but the union and the new management has not been able to see eye to eye based on the existing Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) article 32 and 34.
Last week Wednesday just about midnight the President of the WIFOL Theophilus Thompson and the CEO struck a deal and an agreement was signed when Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger and Tourism Minister Franklyn Meyers intervened. However, that agreement had to be ratified by another signature from the union's general secretary and the membership of the union which to date has not been done.
Several of the workers met with the leader of the National Alliance William Marlin and Member of Parliament George Pantophlet on Sunday night as they wanted more information on the current labour laws. Marlin advised the workers to stick together while they should heed the advice of their legal experts.
According to the union and the workers, they are employed by the new company whom they said paid them in cash and as such the new company should not seek to terminate any of the workers.
On January 18th Pelican Resort Club submitted a request to the labour department seeking permission to terminate all of its workers.

Letter given to the workers of Pelican on Tuesday.

Philipsburg:--- The civil servants, teachers and members of the police force represented by the ABVO will be meeting as of 07:30 am at the John Larmonie Center to begin discussing a counter proposal to send to the Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto.
The organised labour unions had sent a five point resolution to the Minister on Monday night demanding that they be paid the additional 3.3% of their cost of living allowance in their February salary.
During a meeting on Wednesday with the unions, Minister Shigemoto told the union representatives that government workers will be paid on Friday and that 2% of the cost of living adjustments has been added to the salaries. The Minister also told the unions that he was not in a position to meet the demands of the workers since parliament already passed the budget which only allows him to pay out 2% of the cost of living adjustment. Shigemoto also informed the unions that he was willing to check and see how much monies government collects on the 5% TOT increase and to see if he can make the payment before January 2012. President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union Claire Elshot said the Minister told them that he could not go against the decisions taken by parliament regarding the budget.
While the meeting was taking place inside the Government Administration Building a number of teachers and workers from Pelican gathered outside the building to find out the outcome of the meeting. While the teachers were being updated several parliamentarians from the National Alliance faction was there listening to Elshot's address. Responding to her statements was Senator Louis Laviest who immediately said that the finance Minister should tell the people that they the UP/DP members of parliament voted in favour of the budget and not the members of the National Alliance faction. Laviest who was obviously angry at the statements said that the current government should take responsibility for their actions.
Laviest also addressed members of the media concerning the laying off of the Pelican Workers and the cost of living allowance that is owed to civil servants. The senator said the workers and other people are being violated and the Prime Minister and acting labour Minister has allowed the people to become the laughing stocks of the world. He said he does not know of any leader who would allow investors to trample or to bring back a form of slavery to the people of St. Maarten. Laveist said he is not attacking the Prime Minister but he is saddened for the lack of representation that is offered to the island's people. Laviest said that the Prime Minister is a woman who attends all sorts of women's functions and she should know that most of the Pelican workers are women and it's a pity that she would allow all sorts of men to come to St. Maarten and trample on them.
Prior to meeting the with the Minister of Finance, treasurer of the WICSU/PSU Denicio Conner told reporters that it was highly likely that the civil servants and teachers along with police officers are going to take industrial action if they are not paid their full cost of living allowance. Conner said the unions have been very lenient with government and had waived the interest due to them but since government has decided not to keep their promise then the unions have no choice but to demand their monies with interest.
We urge our readers to listen to the audio files that are related to this particular story.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto says in the Governments continued dialogue with the unions, as Minister, he has submitted on Sunday another proposal after consultation with the Honourable Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger to the unions with respect to the cost of living adjustment for 2006, 2007 and 2009.

On Friday four members of the Council of Ministers met with union leaders at the Government Administration Building to continue dialogue on the outstanding issue, the cost of living adjustment.

Since that meeting, the Minister of Finance submitted another proposal on Sunday to the unions where the Government offers to pay the additional 3.3 per cent (total 5.3 per cent, 2.0 per cent paid out in January 2011) on July 1, 2011 with the July salaries for all teachers, civil servants (including Police, Coast Guard) and teachers of subsidized school boards.

The upcoming five months prior to payout would allow the Government the time to be able to allocate the funds since funds for the 3.3 per cent are not allocated on the 2010 nor 2011 budgets. The correction cannot be retroactive nor with interest.

The Minister of Finance submitted another proposal earlier in the week which was rejected by the union membership.

The unions had five resolutions that their membership approved and wanted Government to implement. During one of the meetings with the unions, four of the resolutions were resolved as Government had already proactively worked on those issues.

The four other resolutions that have been resolved were: staffing of the Salaries & Wages Department; laws on overtime; performance management evaluation and automatic compensation; and the payout of vacation allowance in June 2011.

The unions representing civil servants and teachers are the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union (WICSU/PSU), Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) and the ABVO.

ST. MAARTEN, NETHERLANDS ANTILLES -- To ring in the New Year, St. Maarten is raising a toast to Caribbean arts lovers and West Indies culture enthusiasts alike with the second Arts in the Plaza at the picturesque Porto Cupecoy, a Mediterranean-inspired waterfront village and marina developed by Orient Express Hotels Ltd. On the heels of a hugely successful launch in December 2010, the festival continues to celebrate great works of visual, musical and performing arts by extraordinary artists from St. Martin/St. Maarten, the Caribbean and the world (http://www.facebook.com/artsintheplaza).

Watch the premiere video: http://bit.ly/ek5wQi

Scheduled for Wednesday, January 26, 2011 from 7 p.m.. - 10 p.m., the colorful line-up includes Caribbean artists and performers such as: Clara Reyes, Roland Richardson, Neville York, Imbali Dance Company, Francis Eck, Jean Vallette, Anastasia Larmonie and Friends, "Versatile," Tumay Yalcin, Antoine Chapon, Ademar Violenus, "La'Rich," Robert Dago, Stephanie Tihanyi, Charisse Piper, Cathy Lu, Lorenzo Gomez, "Sigma," Scrim & Rosie, Carey Rickson, Anthony "Pop-Tart" Donker, Magali and Carole.

The event is free and open to the public. The festival will continue through May 2011 with new performances and exhibits each month. A complete listing of featured artists will be announced prior to each event at www.stmaartenlife.com. For festival updates, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artsintheplaza. Moët & Chandon, Orient-Express Hotels, La Samanna Resort and Porto Cupecoy are sponsoring the festival.

A prestigious curator committee has been assembled to select the various performers for each of the Arts in the Plaza events. The individuals tasked with this are among the most recognized and respected not only in St. Maarten, but also in the Caribbean and worldwide: Clara Reyes, founder of the Imbali Center for Creative Movement; Roland Richardson, the iconic artist often called the "Father of Caribbean Impressionism," along with wife Laura Richardson; Neville York, one of the most recognized steel drum players in the world; and Thierry Gombs, Director of Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs - St. Martin/St. Maarten.

Developed by Orient Express Hotels Ltd., Porto Cupecoy is a Mediterranean-inspired waterfront village and marina. The 184-residence luxury seaside village is anchored around a marina, the most exclusive and upscale on the island.

Orient-Express, (www.orient-express.com) the name behind an elite collection of travel experiences, first came into being in 1883 as one of the world's most exciting and indulgent train journeys. Today that evocative name also embraces hotels, cruises and other luxury rail adventures in 24 countries, across five continents. The Company has offered exceptional luxury travel experiences since 1976, when it first purchased Hotel Cipriani in Venice and then shortly afterwards, recreated the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, linking London, Paris and Venice, along with other European cities. Today, the company owns or part-owns and manages 50 businesses, 41 of which are highly acclaimed hotels, each unique in style, from the Mount Nelson in Cape Town and Rio's Copacabana Palace, to the Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg and Maroma Resort & Spa on Mexico's Riviera Maya. There are six luxury tourist trains, two river cruise operations and '21,' one of New York's most iconic restaurants.

Orient-Express real estate developments draw on over 30 years of experience in the creation of luxury resorts and travel experiences. The company's overriding commitment to providing the highest quality of service, products and amenities in its hotels, trains and cruises is also a standard in its real estate developments. In addition to Porto Cupecoy, Orient-Express is currently offering luxury lifestyle residences at The Villas at La Samanna (St. Martin), Keswick Estate (Charlottesville, Virginia) and Napasai (Koh Samui, Thailand). The company owns developable land in Madeira; Riviera Maya, Mexico; and St. Michaels, Maryland.

...

French Quarter:--- The gendarmes and emergency services transported a young man to the Louie Constant Fleming Hospital whom they believed was shot on the Dutch side of the island on Old Years Night.
Several gendarmes and emergency workers were seen in yard in French Quarter. Head of the Gendarmerie Stephen Brunet said the victim had gunshot wounds and he needed medical attention. On Sunday Brunet said the victim was shot on the Dutch side and the escaped to the French side. Neither press prosecutor Rienk Mud or police spokesman Ricardo Henson is aware of the incident. Henson said no one reported any shooting where someone was injured.
In an unrelated case, the gendarmes arrested a man on Thursday as suspect of assaulting another man who is in critical condition. The victim in this case was transferred to Guadeloupe for further medical treatment said the commandant of the Gendarmerie Stephen Brunet.
Brunet said the two men fought on December 28th and the suspect plunged several blows on the victim with a blunt edged weapon before fleeing from law enforcement.
Brunet said an investigation was opened and the suspect was apprehended and transferred to Guadeloupe where he will be charged with attempted murder.

In an unrelated case, the judiciary police and detectives from the Gendarmerie have arrested a man they suspected of comitting at least two rapes in Concordia. The suspect was arrested in Sandy Ground on Wednesday morning and has since been transferred to Guadeloupe. According to a press release from the Gendarmerie, the suspect is wanted for rapes committed in April 2007 in Concordia and another in Sandy Ground in November 2010.

Statia:--- GEBE Statia Manager, Fred Cuvalay, presented the first GEBE Reusable Bag to Statia Governor Gerald Berkel. Approximately 1500 bags were distributed in Statia as part of the GEBE environmental program to reduce the use of plastic bags in Statia and in support of the local environmental organization STENAPA who had previously distributed reusable bags in 2005. GEBE has collaborated with STENAPA on other programs as well including the GEBE Green Expo in Statia in June 2010 as well as with planting 50 indigenous trees in Statia as part of the company's 50th anniversary celebrations.

Lindsay Grant leader of the People's Action Movement has sent condolences to the government and people of Montserrat on the passing of former chief minister John Osborne, and to President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago His Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards following the recent death of former President Sir Ellis Clarke.
In his message to Montserrat, the St.Kitts-Nevis Opposition Party Leader noted that , "Osborne had a long and illustrious career in public service that was characterized, on the regional level, by his fervent championship of the voice of the smaller islands at the regional negotiating table."

The letter further highlighted , "Osbourne was defined by his, undoubtedly correct, insistence on proper respect and recognition of all Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states on an equal footing."

"His tenure both in government and in opposition was characterized by an appreciation of the importance of allowing the people to fully exercise their will on subjects of high public importance even on matters about which he felt strongly such as political independence."
Mr. Grants letter to the People of Trinidad and Tobago emphasised Sir Ellis' contribution to the development of not only Trinidad and Tobago but the region.
The letter read "Sir Ellis was of that great generation of Caribbean patriots that steered our fledgling nations through the turbulent era in the first half of the twentieth century and blazed the trail that retired colonialism to the history books."
The letter continued "Like many of his contemporaries Sir Ellis made his mark not only on local or even regional political development but represented ably Caribbean men and women as the equal of any others through distinguished careers in international diplomacy. Even in his private practice in constitutional law Sir Ellis stood out from the crowd of experts and was recognized throughout the commonwealth for his wealth of knowledge."
Grant continued "I know that even in sadness you and the government and citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago can reminisce with pride about the sterling accomplishments of this remarkable man over the course of a long and successful life."
Osborne, who was 74 years old at his death, became Chief Minister in 1978 as a member of the Montserrat People's Liberation Movement and served until he lost the elections in 1991.
He served again as Chief Minister from 2001 until he resigned in 2006 when his party lost the elections.
The John A. Osborne Airport was named in his honour in 2005.
Sir Ellis was the last Governor General and First President of Trinidad and Tobago and a towering figure on the Trinidad and Tobago landscape. He helped lead the country to independence. His passing will be felt not only in Trinidad and Tobago, but around the world. He was an Ambassador, a humble public servant and the consummate statesman.

Philipsburg:--- On Friday January 7th 2011, the Minister of Justice Mr. Roland Duncan and the Chief of Police Chief Commissioner Peter de Witte accompanied by Commissioner Carl John and the Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson paid a visit to the Immigration Department at the Princess Juliana International Airport. This visit was in connection with recent public statement done by Mister Frank Arrindell, owner of Arrindell Aviation, expressing his concerns about the treatment of the visitors to the island by the personnel of the Immigration Department at PJIAE. At the PJIAE talks were held and agreements made with Head of the Airport Immigration Department Chief Inspector Geronimo Juliet and acting managing director of the airport Mr. Larry Doncher in regard to improving the service for incoming and outgoing passengers on commercial and private flights. A tour of the facilities was also given during the busiest hours to get a better picture of the daily operations at the Immigration Department.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto says that he is in full agreement of fiscal discipline as noted by the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten with respect to 2011.

"We have taken responsible measures to balance our budget in line with agreements that have been made in order for our nation to achieve country status.

"Our policy is in line with what the Central Bank has said about adhering to the agreed budgetary rules to maintain sound public finances. The Bank also stressed that we need to improve our investment climate to achieve strong and sustainable economic growth.

"Some other points mentioned by the Central Bank were broadening the income base, reform of the tax system and improvement of tax collection. Those various areas will be government's primary focus in 2011 in close consultation with social partners," Minister Shigemoto said on Monday.

Other areas that the Central Bank pointed out that needed to be dealt with in 2011 include government bureaucracy, the flexibilization of the labour market and the mismatch between labour demand and supply.

Curacao and Sint Maarten share the Central Bank in a monetary union format. According to the bank, in order for such a union to succeed, policy coordination is necessary along with the harmonization of legislation in such areas as monetary, financial sector, and financial integrity supervision.

The Central Bank on last week Monday noted that only by maintaining fiscal discipline can the stability of the monetary union and its currency be safeguarded.

"This stability is crucial for successfully building up our new countries, attaining a sustainable higher level of growth, and increasing the welfare of our citizens," the bank stated in its press release.

Great Bay (GIS):--- Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, has officially informed the Chief Financial Officer of the Sint Maarten Telecommunications Operating Company Helma Etnel with respect to the process in finding a strategic partner for the aforementioned company.

The Prime Minister in her letter just before the Christmas holidays with respect to the composition of the negotiating team and the steering committee, among some other components for the negotiating process informed Telem as follows:

The negotiating team will comprise of two representatives from the Board of Supervisory Directors; management (1); advisor (1), legal representative (1); and a shareholder's representative (optional).

The steering committee will consist of the chairman of the Board of Supervisory Directors, a shareholder's representative which is to be announced and an advisor.

Philipsburg:--- Great Bay Sonesta Resort has resolved their problems with their long time staff member Neville Mars. Mars told 98.1 radio that he was supposed to meet with management of the Resort on Tuesday but that meeting he said was held on Wednesday. During a short interview Mars said he will not discuss the agenda points of the meeting however he is happy to announce that the issue with the shaking of a manager's hand has been resolved and that those who pledged to support him can now be at ease. Mars also extended thanks to the people of St. Maarten especially those who took the time to call him and support him.

Philipsburg:--- At the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger was joined by Anguilla Minister of Infrastructure Evan Gumbs and members of the board of the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority (AASPS).

Minister Heyliger welcomed the group and they later shared ideas on current and future developments relevant to cruise tourism and port development.

The Port of Sint Maarten is considered one of the most modern port facilities in the North Eastern Caribbean which plays a very important role in trans-shipping.

It was a pleasure to have our colleagues over from Anguilla, Vice Prime Minister Heyliger said on Thursday.

"It is important for islands in the region to get together and have dialogues about past, present and future developments in these areas and also learn from the mistakes that others made, so as to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of port operations in this part of the Caribbean region. Discipline, regulation, order, and structure are important elements in this regard," Heyliger, who is also responsible for Public Infrastructure and Port Affairs pointed out on Thursday.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sint Maarten Harbor Group of Companies Mark Mingo, gave a presentation to the Anguilla delegation in the conference room about current and future developments at the port facilities, which encompasses cruise and cargo.

He explained and shared information with the delegation about research that was carried out, which ranged from the spending of cruise passengers to customer satisfaction of the destination to passenger distribution. Sint Maarten he said ranks among the top ports in the region, he added, which is maintained by assertively selling its product, reinvesting, and training, among other elements.

Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Harbor Group, Keith Franca also gave the Anguillan delegation information about the facilities during a tour.

He explained the details of the facilities which ranged from what the Harbor Company is doing in terms of safety, the industry accommodating yachts, and other developments at the harbor.

Present from the Anguilla delegation were Minister of Infrastructure Evan Gumbs, Hayden Hughes Parliamentary Sector Tourism, Maurice Connor Board member, Bill Grandfield Deputy Chairman AASPA, Ken Banks Chairman AASPA, Leslie Richardson Board member AASPS, and Bancroft Battick Chief Engineer, Ministry of Infrastructure.

Great Bay (GIS):--- Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, announced on Sunday that the exchange of information and dialogue with respect to dollarization will continue this week when President of the Central Bank of Curacao & Sint Maarten makes a presentation on the aforementioned matter.

Last week Thursday, the Council of Ministers met with the Banker's Association and the Foundation Tax Committee at the invitation of the Council for a pre-discussion in preparation for a meeting with the Central Bank.

Out of the Thursday meeting, according to the Prime Minster, there were several questions relating to the functioning of the Central Bank for Curacao and Sint Maarten.

The aforementioned two groups have been invited to be present at a meeting with the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten on Monday, January 17.

The Council has also requested that several government departments prepare discussion papers relating to their area of interest, e.g. fiscal affairs, economic affairs and the Bankers' Association and the Tax Committee have also been asked to submit discussion papers.

"Clearly dollarization is a matter that can only be decided after due consideration, however given that the intention is that by 2012 a decision will be made, there is also urgency.

"Since neither Curacao or Sint Maarten has decided not to pursue the joint agreement regarding the monetary system, the question regarding currency also needs to take Curacao's position into consideration," Hon. Prime Minister Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.

Philipsburg:--- The detective department managed to arrest three St. Maarten men identified as R.E.G., I.E.J. and N.E.B. after a lengthy investigation into two cases of abduction. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said a special team was formed to investigate the two cases and so far the investigators believe the three persons now in custody are responsible for both cases of abduction.
Henson said the special team was formed on December 2010 when the first case took place between the 16th and 17th December 2010 where the victim with the initials N.O.M.A was abducted by four men from the Billy Folly area. During abduction the victim's home was broken into by the suspects and many items taken by the suspects. The suspects had also taken the victim to an undisclosed location where for some time he was tortured. The following day while the victim was being transported by the suspects to another location, he got the opportunity to escape and ran into a popular establishment on the A. J.C. Brouwers Road in Cul de Sac.
The second abduction case occurred on January 3rd 2011 where the victim in this case with initials R.L.M. again was abducted from the Billy Folly area. The victim was handcuffed by the suspects and pushed into the car they were driving. The white jeep belonging to the victim was also taken. While transporting the victim he saw the opportunity to escape and jumped out of the vehicle. He then took-off running. The suspects fired several shots at the victim however he was not struck by any of the shots. The police and detectives were immediately informed of the ongoing situation and started to search for the suspects. The vehicle of the victim was later found abandoned and confiscated for further investigation.

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (GIS) – Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams says she welcomes the establishment of closer ties with China and looks forward to future talks with Chinese Government representatives with respect to potential avenues of opportunity.

The prime minister classified the visit of the Chinese Ambassador to Sint Maarten as a familiarization trip to the Dutch Caribbean.

Prior to Ambassador Zhang visiting the island, he first met with Sint Maarten's Minister of Plenipotentiary Mathias Voges in The Hague.

"The visit was clearly in light of establishing cordial relationships with Sint Maarten as a new country within the Kingdom.

"From a foreign affair's perspective, there are surely ways that we believe can be beneficial to the country through closer ties amongst others, countries such as China.

"As a young developing country spreading our wings as we seek new opportunities for development of our nation, we welcome contacts facilitated because of our status within the Dutch Kingdom," Hon. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Monday.

After acquiring our business license we have opened a new office on St. Maarten at the Dannaway Medical Center in Simpson Bay along Airport Road.

MASA, founded 36-years ago, is the world's oldest and largest operator of pre-paid air ambulance membership services and now boasts 15 offices throughout the Caribbean with a membership base of over 100,000 people. MASA averages over 600 medical evacuations every year.

Last year, the government of Anguilla joined several other Caribbean countries in enrolling their entire base of civil servants in MASA air ambulance coverage and we hope for similar results in St. Maarten. However, anyone is welcome to join and there are no age restrictions.

The cost of a membership is $20 per month. And unlike an insurance company there are no out-of-pocket expenses, co-pays or deductibles or claim forms.

Services

• Bedside-to-bedside transportation on a medically-equipped jet to the nearest appropriate medical facility in the event of a life-threatening illness or emergency.

• Medically staffed aircraft are on standby 24 hours a day for the use of members in the contiguous United States, Mexico, Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

• MASA emergency air transportation will be available 24/7/365 days per year.

• The member can select an escort to fly with them (the escort is also reimbursed $300 USD for expenses).

• MASA pays for ground ambulances on both segments of the trip.

• Two roundtrip flights per year, per member.

• Worldwide coverage in the event the member is travelling – MASA has over 800,000 members worldwide

• Helicopter transport is also included where required.

• MASA will provide mortal remains air transportation if the member dies off-island due to accident or illness.

• Commercial Air Transport. If a member requires a medical test or procedure that cannot be performed in St. Maarten, MASA will pay for a commercial flight to an appropriate medical facility where such tests or procedures can be performed. Benefit requires a minimum overnight hospital stay.

• Should a member require a transplant, MASA will transport the organ to the member's medical facility.

• Additional information available at www.medairservices.com
  
  

Other Benefits

• No co-payments, deductibles, or out of pocket expenses.

• No pre-approvals required.

• Employees will not be turned down for coverage (90-day waiting period on pre-existing conditions).

• No age restrictions.

• All members will receive a card with both a 1-800 and a toll free number that they can call at any time to reach a live administrator who will help them with their problem.

• MASA members enjoy discounts at local businesses throughout the Caribbean that we’ve partnered with just by showing their MASA card.

Philipsburg:--- Two of the female suspects that were arrested on Friday as suspects in forgery and human smuggling relating to the Brooks Tower Accord project fell ill on Tuesday while in the Philipsburg police holding cell.
SMN News has been reliably informed that two of the suspects reported to the police that they were feeling unwell and needed medical attention. The source said the paramedics were called and the two women were examined and placed back into custody as their condition was not life threatening.

SMN News further learnt that some of the suspects held at the Philipsburg holding facility had to be transferred to the Pointe Blanche prison facility where the conditions are better.

In the meantime, a judge in the court of first instance brought some clarity in the chaos in the BTA procedure for a lack of a policy. Minister Roland Duncan told SMN News on Sunday that he did not have the necessary policies and Ministerial decree in place to guide the workers of the BTA 2 team. Minister Duncan said during that interview that the project coordinator and the other workers executed the project based on his oral instructions.

Judge brings clarity to BTA chaos caused by lack of a policy.

On Tuesday afternoon Judge R. van Veen rendered his judgement in a case that immigration officials were eagerly awaiting to bring to order to the incoherence surrounding the BTA process. The case was brought by a St. Martin (French) born young man who challenged his detention and expulsion.  The young man had been detained on January 12 and turned over to immigration the same day after it became apparent that there were no grounds for further criminal investigation.  Though the detainee was born and resided on St. Maarten (Dutch side) his entire life, he was not in possession of a residency permit. The detainee had in possession a stamped and signed BTA application form dated December 8th, 2010. Lawyers representing the detainee said based on that form their client should be allowed to await the decision on his application as is the case with all the other BTA applicants.  In court the Minister's lawyer assisted by a police inspector attached to the immigration department argued that the form had been falsified.  This argument had resonance as just last Friday the entire BTA staff had been arrested on suspicion of fraud with BTA documents, including stealing a stamp used in the process. It was pointed out in court that the document presented several anomalies.  There was no CRV number, instead there was a legend in a different hand writing than on the rest of the form, stating that this was a "new applicant".  There also was no CRIB number, but most damaging the officers claimed, they did not recognize the signature on the form. It appeared that the person who signed the form forged the signature of Evelyn Hodge BTA project2 coordinator. In his ruling the judge went along with the shortcomings found on the form, including the unknown signature, based on this the judge concluded that the form was false.  The judge also noted that the wrong BTA form had been used.  It was the form intended for extending the BTA permit and not for a first time application. The judge also pointed out that since the detainee did not have a resident permit and the application form appeared to be falsified the judge ruled that he was indeed on the island illegally and that the minister was within his right to deport him. What can be concluded from the judge’s verdict o Tuesday is that all individuals with false application forms are liable to deportation.  All and any monies paid, for example to the labour office can also be considered lost.  Furthermore, the judge is holding on to the fact that the only policy known, that is the original BTA accord.  All those who arrived after 2005 and tried to file under the BTA for the first time last December have been duped, because there is no written policy.  The only argument the judge accepted was that it had been published that those holding BTA residence permits had until 'December 31, 2010 to renew them.  All persons who filed for the first time in December 2010 are out in the cold.  There is no written policy, which is what the court will accept, in which it is stated that those who arrived after 2006 can file for BTA permits.  The whole BTA process it turned out, and the Minister has admitted this, was done by word of mouth and hear say.  There simply is no legal basis for the claim that people who came in 2006, 2007 or 2008 can file for a BTA permit.  A lot of people have spent a lot of time and money chasing a pipe dream.  It is now the Minister of Justice's turn, not to speak, but to issue a written coherent policy that can withstand serious legal scrutiny, explaining exactly how he intends to put his stamp on the BTA process.  The flying by the seat of his pants approached has simply been a disaster, and all came after 2006 cannot obtain residence permits and will eventually have to reconcile themselves to the idea of leaving, after having spent thousands of dollars in the vain pursuit of an empty pipe dream.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Former Sheriff Security Guard, Jamaican born Sandra Hall (42) would have to spend the next nine years behind bars for stabbing to death Alexander Radford Seaford on the night of October 18th 2010 in his Dutch Quarter home. Judge Monique Keppels gave her decision on Wednesday, sentencing Hall to the full nine years as requested by the prosecution on January 12. The judge considered it proven that Hall fatally stabbed Radford which resulted in his death.
Alexander Radford Seaford was a well known resident of Dutch Quarter and a former police officer in the Guyana Police Force. He was known to be a peaceful and friendly person in his neighbourhood. The victim also leaves to mourn his two children who are residing in the Netherlands and numerous siblings in the United States.

Philipsburg:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell on Thursday started her first series of parliamentary information session with the island's secondary schools with respect to the role and function of parliament.

"The school presentation is part of my effort to get the schools interested and informed about the role and responsibility of government in general and Parliament in particular.

"Our youth need to be aware and be informed about these institutions of Government and what role each one plays in the development of our country," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell pointed out.

The school parliamentary information sessions will span over seven secondary schools. Last Thursday 56 students and teachers from the St. Dominic High School took part in the session.

The school activity day was already part of the school's regular activities to visit several entities of country Sint Maarten including the Parliament and the Courts.

The students were very excited to visit the parliament building and meet with the President.

"I was excited and happy to welcome and interact with them as well. This is just the beginning of a journey to help build and strengthen our institutions in our young democracy through sharing our knowledge and experience of our work, thereby positively inspiring the next generation of Sint Maarteners.

"There lies the true potential of the future of our country. Stimulating the brilliant minds of our students today will pave the way for them to be great men and women of tomorrow," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell concluded.

Cul de Sac:--- The detective department is busy investigating the death of 8 year old Syeisse Fronpton, a student of the Cole Bay Seventh Day Adventist School who died mysteriously at his father's house on Friday morning. According to Syeisse's distraught mother Kenisshea Owens and Donna Allen Syeisse's grandmother they believe that the 8-year old boy was murdered by his father's girlfriend.
Owen in an exclusive interview with SMN News said her son went to spend a few days with his father since Tuesday December 28th and he was scheduled to return home on News Years Day. The mother of two said early Friday morning while she was still asleep she received a phone call from her son's father who told her that her child was not feeling well and that he was taking the child to the hospital. Owen said she got up got dressed and was on her way to the hospital as she lives in Cay Hill. "As I was walking to the hospital my son father called me twice saying "Where you be?, Where you be?" but he never told me my son was already dead. When I reached the hospital, Anthony told me Syeisse dead and when I went into the room I saw my son lying on a bed covered with a white sheet. I could not believe he was dead so I asked the doctor if he is dead indeed."

Owen said her son's father told her that when he woke up Friday morning his son woke up and spoke to him. She said the child told his father he was hot as he had plugged out the fan to iron his clothes and he told the child as soon as he was finished ironing he would plug in the fan. "Anthony told me he told Syeisse he was going to work and will be returning late from work. He said about an hour after he left his girl friend called him twice and was not saying anything and then when he told her not to waste his credits as he was on his way to work it was then she told him the child was not breathing."
Owen further explained that about a month ago the child went to spend a few days with his father and when he returned he had finger nail scratches about his body but when she confronted her son father he covered up for his girlfriend. "When I asked my son who scratched him he did not want to talk but he finally told me it was his father's girlfriend and I had stopped sending my son to his father's house because of this incident but my son wanted to go by his father because the father promised him to buy him toys for Christmas if he went to spend time with him. From the time his father told him that, he was asking to go by his father and even though he does not support the child I would always send him to see and be with his father."
Owen said her son's father knows that his girlfriend killed his son but for some reason he is covering up for her. She is therefore calling on the police to arrest the woman who is of Spanish decent before she leaves the island.
Donna Allen the grandmother of Syeisse said the boy's father took her daughter's passport and burnt it and police did nothing for the lack of evidence. She said once her daughter called her and asked her to pick up the child from his father's house because the child was left alone at home.
"I am concerned that this woman would escape the hands of justice and while I know police have to investigate I know my grandson was not sick and he was smart. If he was not feeling well he would have told his father when he woke up Friday morning." The grandmother said he is more suspicious of the mysterious death because the child wet his bed before he died and the father's girlfriend tampered with the crime scene as she had already removed the sheet that was covering the child and replaced it with a think spread.
Press prosecutor Rienk Mud said the body of Syeisse Fronpthon has been confiscated for an autopsy. Mud said the police are on top of the case. However, he warned that people should not jump to conclusions and say the child was murdered. "I do understand they are grieving but they should not jump to conclusions and accuse people of murder. The police are on top of this case and they should wait until the autopsy is conducted and police know more." Mud said.
SMN News urges our readers to listen to the audio interview above.

Philipsburg:--- The Democratic Party is scheduled to begin talks on Monday as to who they will nominate as Minister to replace ousted Minister Maria Buncamper Molanus.
President of the board of the Democratic Party Michael Ferrier said no decision has been taken as to who the incoming Minister will be. Ferrier said he presented a list with names of persons whom he believes the party leader and Prime Minister should consider for the position but no final decision has been taken.

The Bottom, Saba:--- GEBE Saba Manager, Dexter Johnson, presented the first reusable bag to Governor Jonathan Johnson. Approximately 1000 reusable bags were distributed on Saba as part of the GEBE Environmental initiative to reduce the amount of plastic in the environment by changing the habit of using single use plastic bags. With the bags, GEBE hopes to encourage shoppers to BYOB, bring your own bag, when shopping. The GEBE reusable bag replaces approximately 8 plastic bags and used regularly can replace up to 1664 bags in its lifetime. Although primarily aimed at grocery shoppers, customers have raved that the bags are useful for shopping, toting and numerous other activities where they would have previously used a plastic bag.
GEBE has collaborated with the Saba Conservation Foundation in the first Supermarket Challenge on Saba in 2009 as well as with the GEBE Green Expo in June 2010 and with the planting of 50 trees as part of the GEBE's 50 years anniversary celebrations. Due to the combined efforts of the Saba Conservation Foundation, Saba Supermarket owners and GEBE; shoppers now have to pay for their plastic bags. Most now bring their own bag resulting in a significant reduction in plastic reaching the landfill.

Great Bay (GIS):--- Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, has since Tuesday afternoon met with representatives of the Ministries of Justice and Labor with respect to BTA applicants having to stand in long lines and some even coming 12 hours before the office opens the next morning to assure themselves a spot in line.

"I observed this personally on Tuesday morning outside the Labour Office and I immediately inquired about the situation. After receiving reports and additional information, that it was not much better at the immigration office, I called an urgent meeting of both ministries involved (Justice and Labor) that same afternoon.

"After getting an update on what was taking place and the issue being that persons were told that all the intake of applicants (extensions and others) that happened at Immigration, that these persons could only get their labor registration up to Friday, January 7.

"My position in the meeting was that regardless to what the argumentation was, the situation that manifested itself was not allowed to continue and that the period of intake at the Labor Office needed to be extended to accommodate persons who were part of the process and needed to complete all the steps," Hon. Prime Minister Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Friday.

The Prime Minister added that during that meeting it was agreed that the extension would be granted and those persons who are in the process will have approximately four weeks to complete that part of the process at the labor office.

"Things have improved some-what, however I am still of the opinion that government cannot tolerate this type of madness," the Hon. Prime Minister said on Friday.

Queues are an issue and government has plans that are in an advanced stage to open a branch office of the Receiver and Civil Registry office in Simpson Bay.

"The aforementioned would alleviate long queues at these offices in Philipsburg, as well as ease traffic congestion. Persons won't have to drive all the way to Philipsburg to conduct their business. This will also reflect positively where productivity is concerned," Hon. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams pointed out on Friday.

GREAT BAY (GIS) — On Friday evening January 7^th 2011, Governor of St. Maarten His Excellency drs. Eugene Holiday hosted the 1^st Annual Governor New Year’s Reception at Porto Cupecoy. The Governor delivered his address with the theme “Excellence in Governance to build a stronger Sint Maarten”

GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS:

As your hosts, Marie-Louise and I are pleased to welcome you at this: the first annual Governor’s New Year’s reception. It is my hope that this reception marks the beginning of what will become a governance tradition in the building and uniting of Sint Maarten as a Country. For what better way to build than via the good Sint Maarten custom of bringing people together and breaking bread together. It is in this spirit that I have chosen the topic for my new year’s address, namely: “Excellence in Governance to build a stronger Sint Maarten”.

The choice of my theme is grounded in my conviction that now, in the early stage of forming our country, is the moment for us as a people to reach for the sky, to reach for excellence in the perfecting of the principles upon which our nation was founded; the principles of freedom, equality, solidarity, accountability, transparency and justice as anchored in our constitution.

As the New Year 2011 begins, let us thank God for watching over our country.

Looking back, 2010 is best characterized as a transformational year in the history and development of Sint Maarten; with high point the promulgation of the amendment of the Charter of the Kingdom and of the constitution of Sint Maarten on October 10, 2010. On that historic day I stated before Parliament, “…..there rests on us a great responsibility; a responsibility to build ….. a stronger Sint Maarten for future generations”.

Since that historic day:

• we have and continue to gain experience with the ground rules for country Sint Maarten;
• we have taken and continue to take steps to set up critical institutions for the functioning of our young country;
• we have taken steps to foster and strengthen Caribbean and transatlantic relations in the Kingdom; and
• we have been confronted with fundamental questions as to the functioning of our democracy and in response provided answers that will contribute to the further building and future functioning of our country.

 

In short, we have during the first three months of our new constitutional status gained valuable experience which can be used in our efforts as we work to build a stronger Sint Maarten.

Looking ahead, as we gather here this evening at the beginning of 2011 at the start of the first full calendar year as a country, it is my hope that we will continue to build and improve on these experiences as we set out to fulfill our responsibilities, collectively and individually. And as we do so I trust that we will strive for excellence in governance. My call for excellence in governance is based on the universal rule: that the better the level of governance in a society, the higher the level of wellbeing of and the stronger the community. As I say this it is important to state that for me, excellence in governance is not a goal in itself. It is for me above all a precondition for meeting the challenge of enhancing education, improving health care, reducing poverty, maintaining our culture, protecting our environment and promoting sustainable financial economic development. Yes it is a precondition for achieving the goals on Sint Maarten, which you and I believe in.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us – all of us - therefore embrace “excellence in governance” as the core aspect of our actions to build a stronger Sint Maarten. As our first new year as a country commences let us depending on where we stand, among others, embrace excellence in public, educational, medical, corporate, cultural, environmental, financial and economic governance.

In summary, as our young nation and new country looks back upon the events of a constitutionally historic year, and forward to the next and beyond, let us individually and collectively, in the interest of the common cause, take up our responsibilities for excellence in governance to build a stronger Sint Maarten for ourselves and for future generations. In my role as Governor I hereby, with a vision for a stronger Sint Maarten, reaffirm my pledge to continue to work with government and other stakeholders to serve the people of St. Maarten in this critical and all important period in the evolution and development of our beloved island.

Ladies and gentlemen, in closing the opportunity to reach for excellence in governance to build a stronger Sint Maarten is before us; let us reach for it as we start this New Year.

With that, Marie-Louise and I wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous new year.

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless Sint Maarten.

Philipsburg:--- On Saturday January 8th 2011 upon invitation by the Chief of Police Chief Commissioner Peter de Witte a visit was paid by the Dutch Minister for Home Affairs and Kingdom Relation Minister Piet Hein Donner to the Police headquarters in Philipsburg.
Minister Donner is on a working visit to the six Dutch territories. At the police headquarter Minister Donner and his delegation was met by Chief commissioner de Witte and members of the police management team.
In the conference room at the police headquarters an extensive presentation was given by Chief commissioner de Witte in regard to the present situation within the police department, such as the lack of manpower, lack of equipment, training for personnel, leadership and the increase in crime and criminal activities on the island. A planned approached to combat the present situation was also presented to Minister Donner and a request for 20 police officers from the Netherlands to come to assist the local police department for a three year period was made. The addition of these 20 officers will definitely ease the pressure under which the police department functions and help to create improve the sense of safety in the community.
This three year period will allow the police department, according to improvement plan, to recruit and train its own police officers. At the end of that period which will be in 2014, the local police department will be self sustainable.
After the presentation Minister Donner was given tour of several neighborhoods giving him a personal view of the areas where regularly, under difficult conditions and situations the police department has to function.
The first stop was at the recently finalized housing complex at the Hope Estate. There the minister was received by the president of that housing project Mr. Henry LYNCH who provided a tour of the complex for the minister.
A tour through Sucker garden, Dutch quarter area and surrounding, including the Emergency houses in Union farm was also given and an explanation of the concerns of the recent increase in crime and criminal activities in these areas.
Finally, there was a visit to the Belvedere Community Center where the Minister DONNER was met by the founder and managing director of that community center Jessica Richardson. A complete tour of the facilities and an explanation of the daily operation of that organization that was given. Minister Donner was very impressed by what he saw and commended Jessica Richardson for the tremendous work and dedication she put into this organization and wished her much strength and success in the future.
And the end, Minister Donner thanked Chief Commissioner Peter the Witte and the management team for the very informative presentation and extensive neighborhood tour. He also stated that the request for police assistance from the Netherlands definitely will be a priority that will be discussed.

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (GIS) – Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, has forwarded a letter to President of the St. Martin Collectivite confirming agreements reached on Christmas Eve December 24 with respect to driver's licenses and passport controls at the Princess Juliana International Airport.

With respect to driver's licenses, the following was discussed and agreed to by both parties:

The Government of Sint Maarten has expressed its willingness to once again establish an exemption for the category of French residents as outlined in resolution dated November 15, 2007, N°1078 of the Island Territory of Sint Maarten.

This exemption will be for the period of one year and will allow Dutch driver's license holders, residing on French Sint Maarten and belonging to the category as described above to renew their licenses for a final time. It is expected that after obtaining their license renewal, these drivers will apply for a French Driver's license. This decision will be ratified in a resolution of the Minister.

With respect to passport controls, the Government of Sint Maarten has consented to temporarily waive the requirement for French citizens traveling to French St. Martin to present a French passport.

This "waiver" will be in effect for six months during which time it is expected that the necessary communication will be made with the relevant agencies.

By ministerial regulation of the Minister of Justice, this decision will be ratified.

Furthermore, the delegations discussed and agreed to:

• Close cooperation between the heads and officers of both civil registries to verify each other's documents against fraudulent actions.
• Investigate the status of implementation of the Franco-Dutch treaty.
• Re-activation of the Memorandum of Understanding of November 11, 2006.

Philipsburg:--- President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell has scheduled the central committee meeting requested by the National Alliance to discuss the current labour related issues at Pelican Resort for Tuesday. SMN News learnt that the meeting will be held at the new parliament building starting at 5:30pm.
Arrindell promised members of the media to schedule the meeting before the two weeks time frame as stipulated in the rules of order.

Philipsburg:--- The government of St. Maarten pulled down their website on Thursday when they realized that they said that parliamentarians are not forbidden to have two full time jobs. On Tuesday President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said there is no law in the constitution of St. Maarten that would forbid a parliamentarian to work elsewhere as long as he or she is able to attend all meetings. When asked by SMN News if she Arrindell would seek to reduce the salaries of those parliamentarians who are working at a second job. Arrindell said that the people of St. Maarten should not seek to go there because politicians need incentives. Furthermore, she said to amend the constitution, parliament would need a two third majority. Arrindell was obviously annoyed when SMN News posed questions to her about the salaries of parliamentarians.

Another reporter who works closely with Arrindell then suggested that the people of St. Maarten is not aware of how parliament works and that the current structure is new to the people. The reporter who is a stronger supporter of the United Peoples Party asked Arrindell if there is anything in the law that forbids parliamentarians to work two jobs and Arrindell responded by saying there is none. It appeared to us that the chairlady of parliament lied to the people of St. Maarten or she simply did not take the time to read the explanatory notes of her country’s constitution. Therefore we suggest that the chairlady should take some time out to study the constitution and most importantly the rules of order, that way there would be fewer blunders during the central committee and parliamentary meetings.

SMN News posed the same question to Minister Theo Heyliger on Wednesday since most of Members of Parliament from the United Peoples Party faction are working elsewhere.  Heyliger made clear that there is nothing in the law that forbids parliamentarians from working at a second job. He also said that he will not be seeking the removal of Member of Parliament Jules James who is at the centre of the Pelican saga.

As for Minister Heyliger we will refer him to www.burofocus.com where the English version of the constitution is posted.

According the explanatory notes of the constitution of country St. Maarten on page 43 it states

"Omdat het functioneren van de Staten een taakverzwaring voor de leden meebrengt vergeleken met het functioneren van de eilandsraad, zullen de Statenleden een volledige dagtaak aan het lidmaatschap hebben.  De voorzieningen voor de leden zullen op de volledige dagtaak worden toegesneden."

When translated into English its means “Because the functioning of Parliament will bring along an increased workload for members compared to the functioning of the island council, membership will carry a full day's work for Members of Parliament.  The provision (salary) for members shall be based on a full day's work.”

(The constitution of St Maarten can now be found at www.burofocus.com in both English and Dutch.)

While the constitution does not dictate a time period where parliamentarians must be on the job it is clear that each Member of Parliament should go to work and be available when called upon. It also states that parliamentarians are paid to work full time.

This particular article on page 43 of the explanatory notes is the job description of the parliamentarians who are being paid with the people’s money. It behoves us to say that either the president of parliament does not know her own job description or she lied to the members of the media when she said there is no provisions in the law prohibiting parliamentarians to work at a second job. As for Member of Parliament Jules James it is clear he violated the constitution of St. Maarten and his job as a parliamentarian when he registered two companies on December 18 which stated that he is the managing director of both companies. Those are the companies that are going to manage the Pelican Resort. Jules James is a legislator and he should know that he cannot get his cake and eat it too. This man of God should know that he cannot serve two Gods and legislators are called to protect its people and not to abuse or manipulate the laws of the land.

In an invited comment project director and former Lt. Governor Dennis Richardson said while it is not illegal for parliamentarians to have two jobs it is not ethical. Richardson further explained that no one can have two full time jobs and there comes a time when that person would have to choose one job over the other. When SMN News pointed out what is stated in the explanatory notes of the constitution the project director agreed that parliamentarians are paid to work full time and not part time.

What is astonishing is that the chairlady of parliament who is also a civil servant knows full well that civil servants are not allowed to have a second job, yet she said on Tuesday that civil servants can have a second job if they so desire. Those statements were contradicted on Wednesday by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams.

Below is the recording of our questions to both the president of parliament Gracita Arrindell and Minister Theo Heyliger.

Philipsburg:--- The appointed Ombudsman of St. Maarten Nilda Arduin Lynch for the first time responded to questions as to why she began an investigation at the Kadaster's office. At a press conference on Friday Arduin Lynch said the law prescribes for her to investigate government entities charged with government authority. She said the Kadaster's Office was established by government to execute some 10 ordinances. Furthermore, she said while she was criticised for initiating the investigation, article 2 of the articles of incorporation of the foundation clearly establish for whom Kadaster is working. Lynch said the Kadaster is delegating tasks given to them and the tariffs they are collecting are government's money which is given to them for their overhead expenses. Lynch said based on the law of the Ombudsman she can initiate an investigation on her own if there is suspicion that there is something structurally wrong.
Below is the interview on the Kadaster's Office we urge our readers to take the time to listen to the interview.

As part of the execution of the "Improvement Plan" for the Police Force of Sint Maarten, the police department increased its K-9 department to three police dogs. Two of the dogs are surveillance officers and one of them is highly trained to intercept narcotics. In November and December of 2010, Felix Richards a major with the local police department was sent to the Netherlands where he successfully followed two courses in advanced dog handling. He also brought back his new Shepherd by the name of "Beer". Earlier this year major Sharlon Cathalina who is also a certified dog handler received his Shepherd by the name " Gino". These dogs will definitely be used during the many investigations to be carried out by police.

Marigot:--- Prosecutor Jacques Louvier has started a large scale investigation within government departments responsible for issuing building permits. According to a well placed source, the investigation which is now being handled by a judge in Guadeloupe is to determine why the building permit was granted for the construction of a villa in Terre Basse even though the file was incomplete within a short period of time.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the proprietor of 63 Terre Basse hired Maurizo Lanari as his architect to handle all his paperwork and constructing of the villa. So far the proprietor who has been described a rich American paid 8 million Euros and the building is far from completion. A huge wall and ramp was also built almost on the shoreline of the beach. SMN News understands that several residents of Terre Basse alerted the authorities about the wall and other infringements when the construction started but only on December 13 the gendarmes and other authorities from service urbanism and the Collectivity visited the site and ordered the work stoppage. According to our sources, the lawyers representing the proprietor is not contesting the work stoppage but instead they are seeking to find out why the stoppage only took place now and who turned a blind eye on what was taking place at the site even though several complaints were filed.
SMN News visited the site to get a first hand view of the construction and it is clear that there are several properties built in Terre Basse that are not in accordance with the French building codes. If this investigation progresses it may open the Pandora box as to who is behind what at the building permits department. It will be interesting to see if these buildings will have to be demolished and if those responsible for breaking the law will be punished.
Several efforts to reach prosecutor Jacques Louvier on Sunday proved futile.

Philipsburg:--- On January 17th at approximately 02:00 am, the Central Police Dispatch received a phone call informing them of break-in taking place at the Sun Colour Paint Building on the Walter Nisbeth road and that culprits were still in the building. Immediately several police patrols including a K-9 unit were sent to investigate. On the scene the investigating officers noticed that the suspects had gained access to the building via a window on the west side of the building. They used a cutting tool to remove the wire mesh from the window and then used a car jack to pry the steel bars from the wall. The building was surrounded by officers to make sure the suspects could not escape. The manager of the establishment was informed of the situation and came immediately to open the store so the police could search the building. After the building was opened the police K-9 unit entered and started their search. The office was completely searched removing all desk drawers and throwing the contents on the floor. Within minutes, however, both suspects were located where they hiding by the police K-9. They were arrested and taken into custody. The initials of the suspects are A.P.H. born in the Dominican Republic and J.S. born on Sint Maarten. A.P.H. turned out to be an employee of Sun Colour Paint who had recently been employed by the company.
Money that was stolen from the establishment was found on the suspect J.S. and was confiscated. Both suspects remain in custody for further investigation by the Detective Department.

While it is not customary for this Supervisory Board to react in the media on matters pertaining to WINAIR, recent developments and articles that have appeared in the media deem it necessary for us to set the record straight.

For the sake of clarity WINAIR management structure consists of a Supervisory Board of directors and a Managing Board of directors. The Supervisory Board of Directors (consisting of the persons mentioned above) task is to supervise the tasks of the Managing Director/Board (represented by Mr. Edwin Hodge) and approve/disapprove proposals/plans/budgets etc submitted by management that are above the established limits in value or duration for the Managing Board as outlined in the company’s Articles of Incorporation. The Managing Board/Director is charged with the day to day management of the company and is responsible to ensure that all aspects of the company’s functioning are being executed using sound business practices, judgment and decision making

The airline business continues to be a challenging one and for WINAIR it is no different. We have all seen the fall and rise of many large, medium and small airlines all over the world. Right within our Caribbean region we have seen the demise of many including ALM, DCA, Caribbean Star and Caribbean Sun. WINAIR despite many setbacks is soon to achieve the milestone of reaching 50 years of uninterrupted, safe flying to/from islands within the region.

The financial struggles WINAIR faces today is not new. For years now every so often WINAIR makes the headlines of being in financial difficulty and the likelihood of its survival being grim. Many have tried including the present Managing Board and Supervisory Board to finally put the company on track, however addressing the old debts, increased cost of operations, competition and limited Shareholder financial injections continue to hamper the progress of the company. Dating as far back as the 1990’s to present WINAIR has consistently continued to reflect operational losses. These losses were experienced despite WINAIR having had several changes in the Management Board and Supervisory Boards.

From the perspective of the present Supervisory Board and based on developments that this Board has seen, WINAIR needs Shareholder(s) that are willing and prepared to make significant cash investments into the company. These investments will help to facilitate solving the chronic liquidity challenges the company faces and the paying off of accumulated debts to various vendors. With this being done it will also facilitate a smoother transition to various changes that would need to take place in order to reduce further operational losses. Any plan that does not include a significant financial injection by the Shareholder(s) will eventually still fail as the challenge for the airline is and remains liquidity amongst other financial and operational challenges.

 

To set the record straight, with regards to the recent articles in the media concerning the Supervisory board of directors being asked to resign, please be informed of the following:

 

1. To date albeit that a decision (as per “Staatsblad van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden #355 dd 9/21/2010) has been made that Country St. Maarten is to receive 92.05 % of the Shares and the State of The Netherlands is to receive 7.95% of the Shares of WINAIR, to date the Supervisory Board of Directors have not received any official correspondence from either “in-progress Shareholders”, nor from the previous Shareholder, being the Government of the Netherlands Antilles. To date no one has given clarity as to when this process will be completed or who is responsible to do so. As a consequence the Shareholder’s register of the WINAIR still reflects 100% ownership by the Netherlands Antilles.
2. To date no member of the Supervisory Board has had any meetings with or have/has received any official correspondence directly from the new Shareholder(s) (in progress) of WINAIR. This as well have been made aware of is also the case for the Board representatives for the Government’s of Saba and St. Eustatius.
3. In recent times via the media, we learnt that an “Ad-hoc committee” was being put in place by the Prime Minister of Country St. Maarten, Mrs. Sarah Wescott-Williams to review the WINAIR status. Via the media we learnt that these members are Mike Ferrier, Michael Cleaver, Robert Gibs and Jeroen Veen.
4. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Directors, Mr. Fernando William was contacted by phone by Mr. Ferrier to request a meeting with the Supervisory Board and the ad-hoc committee, to discuss WINAIR. The Supervisory Board of Directors in absence being officially informed of the activities of this Ad hoc committee by the in-progress Shareholder(s) asked that Mr. Ferrier present evidence of this. It was then agreed by the parties that the ad hoc committee, the Supervisory Board and the Managing Board of WINAIR would meet on January 6, 2011.
5. The one and only meeting to date with both groups was convened on January 6, 2011 which was attended by Mr. Edwin Hodge, all Ad-hoc committee members and the Supervisory Board members, with the exception of Mr. Michael Cleaver and Mr. Vernon Jacobs. The Ad-hoc committee members invited Mr. Lars Walrave (St. Maarten based representative of the Netherlands Government) to the meeting who was also present but did not participate in the discussions. During this meeting a “letter” (see attachment) dated January 6, 2011 with the heading “Prime Minister of Sint Maarten” without addressing anyone or the Supervisory Board, signed by Prime Minister Sarah Wescott-Williams was presented. In the letter the abbreviated names of the members of the committee was stated. The “letter” further stated that M. Ferrier has been granted full authority to act on behalf of the Shareholder viz Country Sint Maarten.”.  Not wanting to make an issue of this really informal/unofficial looking document, we still proceeded to have the meeting. After introductions the only person who spoke from the committee was basically Mr. Ferrier, who based on this letter claims to represent the majority shareholder. The meeting lasted approximately one (1) hour and the only items brought forward by the Ad hoc committee were the following:

a.       Their understanding of the composition of the division of shares for the Country St. Maarten and the State of the Netherlands of the WINAIR shares. No documentation to support this was presented.

b.      That in principle the Ad hoc committee recommends that WINAIR for now should only be flying to Saba, Statia and St. Barths, while cancelling service to all other destinations. No insight verbally nor written) into how it would affect the company financially or the projected net results in light of the company’s present situation.

c.       That a change management structure will be put in place which will call for :

1. Removing Mr. Edwin Hodge from the Managing Director position and placing him as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) instead.

2. Appointing (Ad-hoc committee member) Mr. Michael Cleaver as the President Director (CEO)

3. Appointing (Ad-hoc committee member) Mr. Robert Gibs as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

4. Reduce the present aircraft fleet and the company’s personnel.

5. And without asking/seeking input from the members of the Supervisory Board of Directors on the proposed plans and without talking about having further meetings and or a meeting with the Shareholder Rep (in progress), asked if the members of the Supervisory Board would make their positions available immediately to the Shareholder(s) (in progress). This according to Mr. Ferrier would be in order to facilitate the Change Management. No talk was mentioned about a proper handing over process by the Supervisory Board to the ad hoc committee members and or new Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board’s Chairman however stated that while each member is responsible for their own decision to resign or not there are matters ongoing that should be handled in a proper procedural manner in the best interest of WINAIR. While the willingness to consider the resignations is there, the question still remains why should the members of the Supervisory Board be asked to resign, when they have yet to express their opinion on the planned/proposed changes by the Shareholder in progress.  Further, the question has yet to be answered as to why the Ad-hoc committee and the Shareholder(s) in progress are of the opinion that this Supervisory Board should not be involved with the planned change management process.

 

6. As a consequence of the above status of affairs, to date no member of the Supervisory Board has resigned. As resigning at a stage where there are many pending issues and no formal and transparent handing over process being executed, that such action would not be in the best interest of WINAIR at this time. The members of the Supervisory Board of Directors have to date not being given an opportunity to meet with the Shareholder Rep (in progress) and or present its report or comments on the status of the company and its recommendations.

Despite the circumstances, the Supervisory Board of WINAIR continues to execute its duties and is willing to continue to work on solutions with any party, committee and or Shareholder that has WINAIR’s continued survival at heart.

Philipsburg:--- Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams who has taken over the labour and health Ministry confirmed to members of the media on Wednesday during the Council of Ministers press briefing that the Pelican Resort Club has requested dismissal for all of its employees on Tuesday. She said there is a process which will be followed however, given the current deadlock between Pelican Resort and the WIFOL union she is strongly considering to appoint an extra-ordinary mediator to see if that person can resume the negotiations with the union and management of the Resort.

The Prime Minister also said she is yet to receive a written report from the labour mediators namely Kenneth Lopes and Derrick Holiday, thus she is unable to say exactly which company filed for the dismissal of the employees. Wescot Williams said the employer and the employees are at a deadlock and the crock is to determine who is the current employer of these employees.

The Prime Minister also confirmed that government already approved the business licenses for the two new companies that are currently managing Pelican Resort Club, namely "Simpson Bay Resort Owners Company BV" and "Simpson Bay Resort Management Company BV". The Prime Minister said while she is aware that the permit requests were approved she is not able to say whether or not they were delivered to the company.

Most of the day on Wednesday employees of the labour department including the two labour mediators were in a meeting discussing how to proceed with the Pelican saga, SMN News tried several times to get accurate information on the dismissal request that was submitted to the department on Tuesday by Pelican Resort Club but the labour department has refused to release the information.

No New Labour Minister Selected yet --- Discussions continue with DP Board.

While there is a possible labour unrest pending on St. Maarten now that the Pelican Resort Club has submitted a request to dismiss all its employees. Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams confirmed on Wednesday that her party is yet to select a candidate that will replace ousted Minister of Labour and Health Maria Buncamper Molanus. Wescot Williams said the discussions are continuing within the Democratic Party as to who the candidate will be. A decision she said will be taken in a few days.

Philipsburg: --- The government of St Maarten made three major appointments this weekend. SMN News has been reliably informed that Head of the Tourist Office Regina Labega has been appointed director of the Princess Juliana International Airport. The source said Labega will be replaced by Democratic Party's advisor Julian Rollocks.
Former Island Secretary Joan Dovale Meit has been appointed to work with the audit chamber. Meit was one of the three candidates who applied for the position as director of the Princess Juliana International Airport. SMN News learnt that Dovale Meit, Clarence Derby and Gary Master were the three candidates vying for the PJIA director's seat.

Philipsburg:--- At least 33 workers of the Pelican Resort have signed a letter which they sent to the secretary general of the WIFOL Union indicating to her that that she should not sign the agreement President of the WIFOL Theophilus Thompson signed Wednesday midnight with the Management of Royal Resorts.

Several of the Pelican workers met with the leader of the National Alliance William Marlin and Member of Parliament George Pantophlet on Sunday afternoon where they sought advice on the current labour laws and how they should proceed with the ratification of the agreement Thompson signed.

SMN News learnt that the two members of parliament provided answers to the many questions the workers had on their future employment.

The shop stewards also met on Sunday afternoon in a separate meeting where they attempted to discuss and ratify the agreement but so far that could not take place. SMN News learnt that Richard Curso already indicated to the WIFOL that if the agreement is not ratified by 11 am on Monday then it will be off the table. The shop stewards it is understood have decided to send a letter to Royal Resorts indicating to them that the union's membership needs more time to further discuss the agreement and its implications before ratification can take place.

SMN News has been reliably informed that WIFOL Union has decided to let go of its legal advisor Bonita Hart and the union is soon to appoint a new lawyer.

SMN News understands that while the general public is of the opinion that the Royal Resort saga began some weeks ago, the real issue it is said began some three years ago when Royal Resorts wanted to purchase Pelican from the home owners association. Inside sources said when the home owners refused to sell Pelican to Royal Resorts the gross mismanagement began to lead Pelican into bankruptcy. The source said Royal Resorts thought they were going to purchase Pelican at a low cost and they would not have had any obligations to the workers.

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (GIS) – Section Head of Disaster Management Paul Martens, will be attending the R3I Regional Risk Reduction Initiative that is being held from January 26-29 in Anguilla.

The R3I emphasises intra-regional learning and sharing of tools, knowledge and best practices to enhance the territories' individual and collective capacities in the British dependencies and Dutch Caribbean.

The meeting will also signify the launch of Aerial Mapping and Early Warning Systems Activities in Anguilla.

Hosted by the Anguilla National Disaster Management Committee and Department of Disaster Management and coordinated by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Office out of Barbados and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), approximately 80 persons are expected to participate which includes R3I beneficiaries, the European Union, UNESCO IHE, UNESCO-IOC IGC CARIBE, Meteo France, French West Indies Securite Civile, the Meteorological Departments of Aruba and Curacao among others.

Section Head of Disaster Management Paul Martens told the Department of Communications that during the meeting attendees will be informed about the scope and expected outputs and outcomes related to the R3I project.

"The participants in the meeting will also be informed about the upcoming aerial data collection, expansion of the Anguilla warning system, flooding, hazardous materials, environment and other risks facing Anguilla and issues to address them.

"The information disseminated at this meeting will be very useful for our own disaster management planning," Paul Martens told the GIS on Tuesday.

The R3I covers the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) of Great Britain and The Netherlands. It has been considered that the islands are highly vulnerable to various natural hazards and climate change impacts, also having fragile ecosystems and concentrations of settlements and major functions in low lying coastal areas and other hazard prone locations.

This project seeks to address the risk and exposure of these small islands by providing a network of regional infrastructure, programmes, policies and protocols to strengthen their capacity to predict and prepare for natural hazards, thus improving resilience and reducing risk and subsequent loss.

The R3I is being funded by the European Commission to the tune of 4.9 million Euros covering a period of three years (2009-2011).

The previous workshop meeting was held on Sint Maarten in October 2010.

Great Bay (GIS):--- Section Head of Disaster Management Paul Martens, recently attended the "Sound Security Measures for the Yachting Community," conference at Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

The one-day conference brought together maritime security specialist to discuss a number of security issues with special focus on the mega yacht community.

Presentations were given under the following headings: Security Priorities for the Caribbean Basin; Yacht & Marina Security and Its Impact on the Region; Weapons on Board – Benefits & Liabilities; U.S. Coast Guard Small Vessel Security Program Objectives; and a Yachting Security Exercise.

The keynote address was provided by Colonel Walters, Chairman of Port Management Association of the Caribbean, and Chief Executive Officer, Barbados Port Inc.

"The conference was very enlightening. We were informed about current trends and developments in the maritime security field as well as the challenges being faced by the sector.

"Sint Maarten's presence at the meeting was to share with delegates about our experiences on how we implement port security in general and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in particular.

"My follow-up will be to discuss the content of the meeting with the Sint Maarten Port Security Committee in February," Section Head of Disaster Management Paul Martens told the Government Information Service (GIS).

The opening remarks and welcome address were done by Yacht Haven Grande, Island Global Yachting Marina Manager Kevin Lussier and Maritime Security Council Chairman Philip Murray.

The conference was organized by the Maritime Security Council in collaboration with the Island Global Yachting (IGY).

The Maritime Security Council is contemplating organizing a similar meeting on Sint Maarten in 2012.

Martens participated in a panel discussion under the theme, "Yacht & Marina Security and Its Impact on the Region."

At the end of the conference, attendees were given a tour of the United States Coast Guard Cutter Reef Shark. Site visits were also carried out at the cruise and cargo facilities on St. Thomas courtesy of the U.S. Virgin Islands Port Authority.

Philipsburg:--- While chiding the media on Wednesday and accusing members of the media for irresponsible journalism Minister Roland Duncan told reporters on Wednesday that his oral instructions on the continuation of the Brooks Tower Accord is as good as any policy. Minister Duncan said there is no need for a policy on the extension of the BTA project since no policy has changed but a Minister he said, has a lot of discretion and if he gives oral instruction it is as valid as any other decree. “There is no need for any written decree on God knows what, the issue with the BTA is that forgeries were made and it has nothing to do with policies since monies were paid.” The Minister further said that the current investigation has to do with criminal actions and that there is nothing wrong with what happened with the BTA since no new categories were created.

While Minister Duncan said there is no need for a policy to extend the BTA procedure, a judge ruled against a BTA applicant mostly because the Minister did not have a policy in place which authorizes the BTA team to accept new applications.

Besides that, former Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards had written a letter last year to former Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba telling her that unless she puts in place a process description into her BTA policy it would not have gotten his approval and signature as Lt. Governor of St. Maarten. Furthermore, SMN News has been reliably informed that the former chief of the Lt Governor’s cabinet Ligia Stella who is now working in the justice ministry refused to work on the BTA extension created by Minister Duncan for the lack of a policy and proper framework.

In the meantime, the six members of the National Alliance Faction have sent a letter to the Chairlady of Parliament Gracita Arrindell requesting an urgent meeting of Parliament to discuss the Developments surrounding the continuation of the Brooks Tower Accord.

Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said there is an urgent reason for the Minister of Justice to give account to parliament as well as to the people of St. Maarten regarding the recent developments and the BTA extension. Marlin said he knows how the Brooks Tower started and it was almost to the end when out of the clear blue there was a continuation and or extension to the BTA which is not clear to his faction and the people of St. Maarten. Marlin said parliament also would need to know what guidelines the BTA team had to follow and who are the persons that were deemed qualified.

Marlin said when one hears that people who have been living on the island for the past two or three years received a BTA permit under the new guidelines that raises eyebrows. Marlin said besides the recent arrests Parliament also wants to know what prompted The Minister to reopen a new track of the BTA procedure.

We urge our readers to take the time out to listen to Minister Duncan as he talks about the BTA and the media on Wednesday morning. Also in the same audio is leader of the National Alliance faction William Marlin.

Letter submitted by the National Alliance faction for Parliament meeting.

Cay Bay:--- Two St. Dominic students will be rounding off their week of job training at the GEBE Water Lab as part of their career orientation.
Joseph Toussaint, 15 years, and Melissa Ramessar, 16 years, are working along with the GEBE team at the water lab collecting water samples from over 40 locations and testing the elements in the drinking water to ensure they meet World Health Organization standards. "At the moment we are testing the levels of various minerals in the water," explained Joseph who aspires to become a physicist or chemist, "It is pretty cool."
"I did not realize there were so many elements in water," Melissa added, "My favorite test is the oxygen test; where the compounds mix becomes this big lump of orange in the water." Melissa who aspires to be a biologist or something in the medical field, has tried various fields for job training in the past including nursing at the hospital and an orientation at the American University of the Caribbean. "The GEBE lab so far is my favorite. We got to do a lot more with field work and testing. I am hoping to apply for a summer job here."
Ana Gibbs, a chemist in the lab, has been supervising the two students. "I am happy that these students are so enthusiastic about science and that they are considering going into this field. Next we will be testing the water at the main holding tanks here in Cay Bay."

Philipsburg:--- Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin visited the teachers and civil servants who were meeting at the Sports Auditorium on Friday to discuss a counter proposal to send to the Finance Minister regarding their cost of living allowances. Marlin told reporters that he is supporting all workers on St. Maarten who are currently facing a national crisis for several reasons. As for the cost of living adjustments Marlin said there was an agreement left by the former executive council which he headed to pay off the teachers what is due to them. However, the UP/DP coalition has been making sporadic changes without informing anyone. Marlin said the current government is not about governing, they are project oriented. "All they are doing is looking for another project to work on or to see where they can pump more sand."
Marlin said government did not hold any consultation with the unions when they decided to cut the civil servants money to balance their budget. The National Alliance leader further explained that if proper consultation was done with the unions and workers the protest currently taking place would not have happened. Marlin said the current finance Minister has taken decisions and then he points his fingers at other people even though he has been part of the budgetary process for the last 10 years. "It is either the Minister was not in control of the finance department when he was heading the department, or he did not know what was taking place in the department he was heading thus he was ill advising the commissioners of the former executive council and government". Marlin made those statements as a reaction to the statements finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto made when he said when he became Minister of Finance he found a mess with the budget.
Marlin said St. Maarten is in a crisis because there is a government who is simply not governing the island. He said right now no one knows who the leader of the government is because there is a Prime Minister who has no authority since the cabinet is not hers, while there is a de-facto leader who stays away from any and all confrontations and is busy looking for projects. "There is a Prime Minister that has no authority, there is a crisis at Pelican and what you see is two other Ministers going there to play politics with the livelihood of those workers."
"Here you are taking away from workers while increasing taxes on the people and the only thing the de-facto leader is talking about is the 39 million dollars causeway through the lagoon without the proper environmental impact study done."
Marlin said just the other day he heard the Minister of Justice telling people that there is no need for a policy because his verbal instruction is just as good. He called the statements of Minister Duncan erratic.
While addressing the teachers and civil servants Marlin said the only people who stand to benefit from the 5% Turn over Tax is the businesses. The former school teacher said that government chose to give the businesses an exemption on several items such as rice, milk, bread and baby products. These are the products that sell the most and while there is no guarantee that the supermarkets will decrease their prices on these products, one thing for sure they do not have to pay the 5% TOT to government on these items because government granted them an exemption.
Persons who are renting apartments will not see a decrease in their rents either but government chose to give them an exemption too, while the people is feeling the pressure with these increases government will be collecting less money in TOT.
While the police, civil servants and teachers are fighting for their cost of living allowance, information circulating on the island is that the Council of Ministers has taken a decision and ordered a number of new cars for the Ministers. SMN News learnt that a contract was signed with one of the car dealership for several fully loaded SUV's that cost $37,000 each. When asked about this Marlin said while he did not get any official information on the purchase of the new vehicles but he also saw some new vehicles around the government administration building. Marlin said while buying the cars would not bring along any major relief, neither would it put a bigger dent in the budget, but it sends a wrong message to the community.
Marlins said if government is asking everyone else to tighten their belts while they are buying new cars. The former leader of government said a year and half ago the previous executive council bought five new cars that are in mint condition. He said buying the new cars is sending the wrong message psychologically.
We urge our readers to listen to the audio where Marlin spoke to the media and the protesting teachers.

Great Bay:--- The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports & Youth Affairs has informed all school boards and teachers of Public Schools and those funded by government that Monday, January 31, 2011 is a "regular school day" and consequently teachers and students "are expected to attend school normally and on time."
In a letter to the school boards on Friday, January 28th, 2011, the Ministry referred to the events of January 27th and 28th 2011 when teachers were called out by their union to a meeting during school hours, which resulted in students "being denied education."
The letter stated that "this cannot be supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs because, according to the letter, "all possibilities to arrive at an amicable settlement between government and the union without industrial action were not exhausted."
The letter concluded by stating that "In the event persons fail to comply with the directives of the Ministry, the policy of no work, no pay will be applied."

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto announced on Sunday that corrections will be made to the salaries of Police officers once the former have submitted their indexed scales to the Salaries & Wages Department.

The reason for Police officers receiving the old scales is that the indexed scales were not submitted for the payroll. Furthermore there may be other errors which can be corrected once they have been reported to the Salaries & Wages Department or Cassandra Wilson at the Finance Department.

The Ministry of Justice is responsible for Police personnel issues including the set-up of scales. Members of the Police Force have separate scales from the rest of the civil servant organization.

To determine what the problem may be in the Salaries & Wages Department, an operational audit will be carried out in order to avoid future recurrence of past mistakes and late payments and with the end result being that Government provides the best possible service to civil servants, but in order to do so one needs to determine the problem, Minister Shigemoto explained on Sunday.

January is the first month that the payrolls from the former Federal Government departments are being run in the payroll system of the Government of Sint Maarten.

Up until December 31, 2010 the payrolls were implemented by a company which the former Federal Government had contracted to provide payroll services..

Minister Shigemoto on Friday – the day that salaries were available to civil servants via their respective banks - said that all efforts were made to have as accurate a payroll as possible given the circumstances, however, as in any transition period there could be discrepancies for which he apologizes to all civil servants.

"We are asking those who notice any discrepancies to please note these down and bring them to the attention of the aforementioned departments in order to have these corrected as soon as possible.

"The transition from island to country is posing some challenges, but we will overcome them and continue to move forward together as a country," Hon. Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto said on Sunday.

Philipsburg:--- Since the scandal broke by the Today Newspaper about Minister Maria Buncamper Molanus who sold the economic rights of a parcel of land she obtained by long lease several persons commenting on SMN News have challenged us to look for the other politicians that also received leased land and sold it to make a huge profit or those that sold the economic rights of these lands.

SMN News published the documents to show that Minister Maria Buncamper Molanus and her husband senior civil servant Claudius Buncamper sold the economic rights of the plot of land to Eco Green as published in the Today Newspaper after she denied having sold any lands or the economic rights of the land to anyone. We also obtained documents which we published to show that the leader of the Democratic Party and now Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams also obtained leased land and within two weeks she sold it for big bucks. Many persons commenting on SMN News suggested that other politicians have done the same and they are not being exposed.  The scandal of the Buncampers caused an outrage among the people of St. Maarten, for the past three weeks the people of St. Maarten and the media focused only on what the Buncampers did simply because this was not the first time the Buncampers were caught in an awkward position where they exploited their offices for their own interest. On each occasion it involved monies to the benefit of the Buncampers.

However, it seems that other persons and politicians who sought government lease land exploited the purpose of the lease by breaking the conditions of the lease for their own self interest. Making more money seems to be the main objective in many cases while several civil servants and residents of St. Maarten also requested government lease land for decades to construct their homes and to date they are not able to obtain a piece of land.

SMN News managed to recover some documents from the Kadaster’s office even though we are getting a hard time getting these documents which is supposed to be at the disposal of the general public. Ever since we published the document that the Kadaster director Clemens Roos doctored on December 15^th 2010 we are forced to ask other residents of the island to request the deeds we need to further investigate the wrong doings of certain politicians. Not to mention the minute reporters request information on politicians those persons are immediately informed by the Kadaster’s office.

Patrick George Illidge Lease Land Deal:-

The documents SMN News managed to obtain show that now Member of Parliament Patrick George Illidge obtained a parcel of land measuring 749M2 in the district of A.T Illidge Road Phobe Pond described in certificate of admeasurements 379/1991. The Member of Parliament obtained the parcel of land on June16th 1992 in long lease until June 16^th 2052.

On the 21 May 1996 Patrick George Illidge sold the long lease to Standford Emanuel Solomon a businessman and managing director of King Solomon Enterprises Limited located at number 48 Robb Street Lacytown, Georgetown Guyana for the sum of $65,000.00. The deed of this sale was registered at the Kadaster’s office on May 29^th 1996.

The prescriptive rights of the said property have been transferred to King Solomon Enterprises. While this sale might be legal because there was a building on the parcel of land when it was sold it is not clear if Illidge sought the consent of the executive council to transfer the rights of the long lease to King Solomon Enterprises as we were unable to obtain a copy of the executive council decision that granted Illidge the permission to transfer the rights of the long lease.

Hanky Panky Sale of Economic Rights

SMN News also obtained documents that showed that Patrick George Illidge appeared before notary Francis Edgar Gijsbertha on December 23 2008 acting in his capacity as an attorney on behalf of King Solomon Enterprises Limited where he sold the Economic Rights of the same property to Henry Egbert Charles Lynch a businessman and managing director of JAHENECO REALITY N.V. for the sum of $60,000.00. As usual the documents on both sales can be viewed below. SMN News contacted Henry Lynch for a comment and he has promised to meet with us but he did not get back to us by press time.

SMN News is now calling on Member of Parliament Patrick George Illidge to tell us more about the sale of this long lease he obtained from the island government in 1992 and the sale of the economic rights of the same property to two different persons since both were done by him. We are also inviting the Member of Parliament to tell us about the parcel of land in Simpson Bay that he obtained in 1994 and how is it possible for him to receive two parcels of land from government while there is hundreds of St. Maarteners waiting for a piece of land to build their dream home.

Kadaster’s Office

The deed of sale of the economic rights transaction was registered at the Kadaster’s office on December 29^th 2008 bearing the signature of the Kadaster director Clemens A. Roos. Up until December 31 2010 when we checked the records at the Kadaster’s office to see if this particular sale is still registered since Clemens Roos claimed that his office does not recognise the sale of economic rights the records remain unchanged. We are sure the Kadaster director has a good explanation that he will give to the two newspapers and the Prosecutor’s office who obviously believes his stories.

It must be noted that the Kadaster’s director Clemens Roos, the gate keeper of lands registration for St Maarten arrived on the island in 2008 and he too requested long lease land for himself. SMN News will bring you more information on Roos’s request for long lease land in a separate article.

Patrick Illidge deed with King Solomon Enterprise Limited


The Sale of the Economic Rights by Patrick Illidge to Henry Lynch

Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) will meet with band leaders and calypsonians tonight, Wednesday, January 5, in the first series of Carnival stakeholder meetings in preparation for Carnival 2011.
The meetings will be held separately for the bands and calypsonians. The meeting for the bands will be at 6:00pm followed by the calypsonians at 7:00pm. Both meetings will be held at the Legislative Hall in the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg.
The SCDF is urging all bands and calypsonians interested in participating in Carnival 2011 to make an effort to attend the meetings and to be on time. The SCDF will apprise both groups of progress made with finances and outstanding prize monies thus far as well as the schedule for Carnival 2011 and other matters.
The new Executive Board of the SCDF, elected on September 30, 2010 and comprising of President Stuart Johnson, Treasurer Erno Labega and Secretary Mike Granger are ultimately responsible for straightening out a financial situation that deteriorated over the last two years.
Johnson has repeatedly stated that the financial audit for government will take some time because of the magnitude of work to be done on the finances. Once that audit is complete, the report will be presented to government. Government still has approximately Naf, 220,000 in subsidy funding for the SCDF.
"We have been forthcoming on every front with regard to the financial situation, is has been the priority for us. Our participants are still owed prize monies, we have significant outstanding with service providers. But we are thankful that everyone has been very patient with us. As a new body what we inherited was not a rosy financial picture by any means but we have accepted that challenge and we will get there," Johnson said.

GREAT BAY(GIS):--- The department of labour services of the Ministry of Public health, Social development and Labour is extending the date for persons to visit the Labour Department in regards to the Brooks Tower Accord applicants, who submitted their documents on or before December 30, 2010 at the Immigration department.
Because of the current drastic increase in the demand for government services at these government departments, the date for submission or retrieval of documents has been extended.
For the Labour Office, the new date is January 28, for persons to submit their documents. The labour office will process a maximum of 60 requests on a daily basis in the interest of an efficient and safe handling of all required procedures.
At the Immigration Department, the new date is February 11, for persons who have to pick up or submit documents.
The government hereby wishes to inform the public once more that there will be no new intakes regarding the Brooks Tower Accord.
It is requested that persons carry all the necessary documents and adhere to required procedures and instructions.

Philipsburg:--- The autopsy that has been requested by the prosecutor's office for 8 year old Syeisse Frampton can only take place sometime next week confirmed press prosecutor Rienk Mud. Mud said St. Maarten shares pathologists with Curacao and at this moment there is only one pathologist on duty. Mud said he has been informed that the autopsy can only take place next week, leaving the investigation into young Syeisse Frampton's death at a standstill until the autopsy is conducted.
Syeisse Frampton lost his life while in bed on Old Year's Day as he was spending time with his father. The young child was healthy and his body bore no marks of violence when he died.
His sudden and suspicious death prompted the prosecutor's office to request an autopsy so they as well as the doctor at the St. Maarten Medical Centre would know the exact cause of death of this young child.
The child's mother and grandmother expressed concerned over the sudden death of their loved one and have since called on the police and prosecutor's office to arrest the person who the child was with when he died. It should be noted that when the child was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Centre he was already dead.
On New Year's Day when the mother and grandmother spoke to SMN News exclusively we made several attempts to contact Syeisse's father on his cellular phone but he refused to answer our calls. When SMN News continuously called Mr. Frampton he switched off his cellular phone.
Relatives of the father has since contacted SMN News claiming that we did not contact the child's father to get his side of the story and that the story published on New Year's Day is in their view one sided. The Frampton's even asked that the publication be removed and stated that they do not want any media on St. Maarten to cover the story.
SMN News would like to make clear that we value people's opinion thus we are allowing people to comment freely on all our news items. Besides that, the sudden death of a young and healthy child deserves questioning.

Philipsburg:--- Member of Parliament Jules Charles James who is also the General Manager and Director of the Pelican Resort has a lot to explain to the workers of the resort and the WIFOL union. Documents provided to SMN News shows that James is managing director of the two new companies that will be taking over the management of the Resort. According to the chamber commerce registration, Jules James is the managing director of "Simpson Bay Resort Owners Company BV" which was established on December 21 2010. The Member of Parliament from the United Peoples Party faction is also the Managing Director of the "Simpson Bay Resort Management Company BV" which also registered on December 21 2010.

President of the WIFOL Theophilus Thompson told reporters on Tuesday that the resort was auctioned on December 16th where the financiers became the owners.
Thompson said the company's attorney indicated to the union that their intention is to lay off all workers of Pelican Resort and rehire them on short term contracts. Thompson said the union held several meetings with the company and they also made their position clear where they indicated that they will not accept the firing of their members. Thompson said he does not understand why the company wants to terminate the workers because even though the owners might be new, management of the company remains the same.
Thompson said the workers went through their own turmoil when they were informed that they will no longer be working on a five day work week but four days per week. Thompson said the union has taken management to court and the matter is still pending.
Thompson said they discovered that one of the associates of management that is still managing the resort is now the owner of the new companies. Thompson further explained that some the workers have worked for over 20 years, they are experienced workers and the union is yet to understand why the new management wants to lay off the workers to rehire them as short term workers. "These workers would be unsecure and we have already indicated to the labour mediator that the union and its members will not be signing any short term agreements with management of Pelican Resort."
Thompson informed the media that the workers were threatened by management that if they do not sign a new working agreement with them, then management will outsource their vacancies. The WIFOL president said that while St. Maarten and its unions are fighting to protect workers and their rights.
"Jules James is supposed to be working on laws to protect the community and workers yet he is the one exploiting the Pelican workers something we intend to take further", said Thompson.

"Simpsonbay Resort Management Company" Chamber of Commerce Registration



"Simpson Bay Resort Owner Company" Chamber of Commerce Registration

MARIGOT:--- Two armed robbers entered the Baie Nettle Post Office and held two employees at gun point on Wednesday morning. According to a press release from the Gendarmerie the incident occurred around 08:20 am.
The two armed robbers broke the security glass window with a sledge hammer to gain access to the back office where the two employees were held at gun point. They managed to escape with a small amount of monies as the employees were not able to open the safe. Also the post office regulations do not allow large amounts of monies to be at the post offices. The suspects managed to escape with the help of a black scooter. The gendarmes have opened an investigation and are calling on eyewitnesses to come forward. Persons with information are asked to call the gendarmes hotline 17.

Great Bay (GIS):--- On Saturday January 8th 2011, Dutch Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations – Piet Hein Donner and his delegation met with the Council of Ministers of St. Maarten. The Council of Ministers was represented by Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams, Vice Prime Minister Theodore Heyliger, Minister of Justice Roland Duncan, Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto and Minister of Economic Affairs, Tourism, Traffic and Transportation Franklin Meyers.
Following the meeting a Press Conference was held with Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams and Dutch Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations – Piet Hein Donner during which insight was given as to what was discussed. Topics on the agenda included the agreed upon plans of approach, debt relief, GEBE, and Budget 2011.

Great Bay (GIS):--- Out of 38 Day Care Centers registered with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, 10 are facing immediate closure because they do not comply with the Ordinance related to the operation of Day Care Centers.

The 10 day care centers have until Monday, January 10 before 5.00pm to submit the remainder of their documents to the Inspectorate Department. Centers who do not comply with the aforementioned are to remain closed until they can comply. Those found open on Tuesday, January 11 will be closed by the Inspectorate.

After numerous requests by mail, telephone, and inspection meetings for more than a year, the 10-Day Care Centers will have to close their doors until they supply all the required documents for their operational license.

Existing day care centers are well aware of the requirements for a license.

Twenty-five day care centers have submitted all relevant information and have been granted an operational license to provide services in the field of child day care from the age of four until they are ready to go to kindergarten. (? What about the younger ones?)

Article four of the ordinance says clearly that it is forbidden to offer day care for children without the necessary license.
Child care centers must also be in good standing and have to meet the minimum requirements for operation where safety and hygiene are concerned.

Day Care Centers cater to approximately 1200 children.

Documents required for a license are: Chamber of Commerce registration; Proof of labour registration; Deed of the foundation; Letter requesting permit to open a day care center; Crib number (tax office); Payment at the Island receivers office for the license; Evacuation and floor plan (approved by the fire department); Insurance for the number of children and their names; Residence permit (permanent/temporary); Daily routine(monthly, yearly); List of current workers and diploma's; Diploma of the owner/director; House rules; Menu list; Proof of water and electricity supply; and sewage removal and pest control plan.

From October 2009, day care centers were all reminded to submit all documentation. According to Inspector of Day Care Centers Denise Cornet, all centers were inspected at least twice, with others it was necessary to go in more often, in connection with safety issues.

In December 2009 a letter was sent out to all centers informing them what to expect after every inspection. A report will follow with the findings and by the time frame given the day care center in question would have to have made the necessary changes based on the ordinance.

Inspection reports were sent out to all day care centers during 2009 and throughout 2010 with the findings.

In September 2010 another letter was sent out as another reminder to submit the documents in accordance with the ordinance.

"Our goal was by October 10, 2010 all centers should have their license. But the owners of the day care centers needed more time, and it was granted.

"The last week in November 2010 a courtesy call was made by the Inspector of Day Care Centers, asking all the aforementioned to submit the rest of the required documents, because there will be consequences that will lead to closure of the facility for non-compliance.

"In the first week of December 2010, a letter signed by the former Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Maria Buncamper-Molanus, gave all the day care centers a final opportunity to submit all the required documents by January 10th 2011. This deadline is now before us and this is the last opportunity and appeal for the remaining 10-day care centers to submit their relevant documentation before 5.00pm on January 10," Inspector Cornet told the Government Information Service (GIS) over the weekend.

Philipsburg:--- The pathologist that conducted the autopsy on 8 year old Syeisse Frampton on Monday believed that the young lad died from a severe viral infection. Prosecutor Rienk Mud said he has been informed that the child did not suffer outside harm. However, further tests still have to be conducted.
According to Mud, microscopic tests have to be done on the brain tissues of the 8 year old child to determine if the child's brain was infected with the virus that claimed his life, while toxicology testing are procedural in autopsies. Mud stressed that the pathologist made clear that there was no trace to show the child was harmed by anyone. However, the results of the autopsy did not yield any information on what exact virus killed Syeisse Frampton.
The body has since been released to the mother of the deceased child for burial.

Philipsburg:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell says one year (January 12) after a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, more than one million people – 380,000 of them children – still live in crowded camps despite extraordinary relief efforts by Haitians and the international community, according to a United Nations (UN) report.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) report, "Children in Haiti: One Year After – The long road from relief to recovery," says that the recovery process is just beginning.

Water, sanitation and hygiene were on the decline prior to the quake, with only 19 per cent of people having access to basic sanitation facilities in 2006, down from 29 per cent in 1990.

UNICEF provided more than 11,300 latrines serving over 800,000 people. Every day, over 600 latrines are de-sludged as part of ongoing efforts to maintain safe sanitation standards.

Overall the quake affected 1.5 million children and 63,000 pregnant women, UNICEF said. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is currently reaching close to two million people with various aid programmes, including hot school meals for over one million children every day and cash-for-work programmes and nutrition.

"The rebuilding of Haiti will be a long process. It is not going as fast as people had anticipated, but there are still individuals and organizations there who are working to help rebuild. I encourage persons and organizations from the grass roots level to still donate to help rebuild Haiti.

"In the last quarter of 2010, the people of Haiti also had to contend with the outbreak of cholera. This is a second disaster that the country is being confronted with. On January 12, the day of the earthquake one-year ago, I call on the nation to say a prayer for the children, women and all the people of Haiti as they continue to rebuild," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said on Tuesday.

As of 29 December, 3,481 people had died of cholera and over 157,000 cases had been reported, according to Haitian Health Ministry statistics. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned recently that the epidemic threatens 2.2 million school children due to the lack of clean water and sanitation facilities in schools throughout the country.

Great Bay:--- Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Rhoda Arrindell will launch the public information campaign on Compulsory Education at the first of a series of sessions to be held Thursday, January 13, at the Rupert I. Maynard Community Center in St. Peters at 7:00PM.
Under the theme, "Compulsory Education: It's not a choice, it's the Law!" the sessions will, through informative interviews, public information announcements and other initiatives using the media, focus on compulsory education and the relevant laws that make it a right for every child between the ages of 4 and 18.
The campaign, consisting of several activities to inform the community about the laws, will span the months of January and February and is being funded by USONA. It is a collaborative effort of the Department of Education Section Compulsory Education Officers, and the Division of Educational Research Planning and Innovation, DERPI.
Even before she became Minister of Education, Rhoda Arrindell had, urged St. Martin to implement compulsory education for all at the 2004 Education Summit. She stated that not having compulsory education "is a crime against St. Maarten's future" and added that "a growth of a nation is proportionally related to its progress in education".
Even though committees, task forces and work groups had been formed to find solutions for the implementation of Compulsory Education on St. Martin , it was not until 2008 that the then island government began the implementation of compulsory education after the development of a 5-year plan which is scheduled to end in 2012. During the first phase of the law, all children between the ages of 4 and 8 years were to be enrolled in a government regulated school. The opening of the Charles Leopold Bell School in 2009 was one of the first of many plans to further the implementation of the law.
The law of Compulsory Education is stipulated in the Leerplichtlandsverordening (P.B. 1991, no. 85) and is in direct alignment with the UNICEF Rights of a Child Act that states that every child has the right to an education. The purpose of the law is to ensure that all children between the ages of 4 and 18 years receive an education that equips them with the necessary skills and education needed to become self-sustainable, productive and law- abiding citizens within the community.
All children by law must attend school and be in school during school hours. The days of taking children out of school for vacations during official school hours are a thing of the past. Educating our children is of the utmost importance and the Ministry of Education is working diligently to ensure that by 2012 every child between the ages of 4 to 18 years old is in school.

Everyone, particularly parents, is encouraged to attend these sessions and stay tuned to their favorite radio stations for informative interviews. The schedule of the sessions will be posted on the Government Information Service page. If you are unable to attend any of the sessions, information can be obtained from visiting the St. Maarten Compulsory Education Information website at http://sites.google.com/site/stmaartencompulsoryeducation/, or by e-mailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or calling the Office of Truancy at 542-2363.

St. Maarten – January 11, 2011 – HCP/Aboard Publishing, the custom publishing division of the Miami Herald Media Company, and the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) bring you the latest edition of Experience St. Maarten/St. Martin. This exclusive destination guide has been redesigned and includes a modern and sophisticated new look, with visually appealing photographs, captivating stories and a larger size that appeals to all audiences.

The richly illustrated, soft cover coffee table book captures the beauty of our island paradise. It provides visitors with information on the best places to shop, dine and lounge, as well as sports, spas, activities, attractions, history, culture and business.

In addition to this, HCP/Aboard has partnered with Sint Maarten Marry-Me by Artemia to produce a special weddings section that appears in Experience St. Maarten/St. Martin. Sint Maarten Marry-me by Artemia is also produced as a stand-alone magazine that will be sent to all the important bridal shows and will be made available on island at participating venues.

"We are very excited with the outcome of the wedding guide and that it is part of Experience St. Maarten/St. Martin. The wedding section and stand-alone magazine are true evidence of diligently working together with HCP as a team to produce a piece that will provide future brides with the tools and resources to have their dream wedding on our beautiful island," says May-Ling Chun, General Manager of St. Maarten Marry Me by Artemia.

"The new, oversized book is visually appealing and elegant. Having worked in St. Maarten for a number of years, I've developed a deep love for this island and all it has to offer," says Garry Duell, publisher of HCP/Aboard. "I'm proud to bring you this latest edition with a fresh approach and a new look."

"HCP has been a valued strategic partner that has brought its marketing expertise and vast resources to the destination," says Emil Lee, President of the SHTA. Experience St. Maarten/St. Martin is the official publication of the SHTA, and we are delighted with the quality and content of the publication. We believe that the Experience magazine is a valuable resource for our visitors."

Philipsburg:--- Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams announced on Wednesday during the weekly Council of Ministers press briefing that the regulation to allow the census office to renew the drivers license for French side citizens is not yet in place. The Prime Minister said since the announcement was made two weeks ago several persons rushed to the Census Office for their renewal but could not be helped.
The Prime Minister said after meeting with the President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs the government of St. Maarten has agreed to grant the French citizens who are holders of Dutch drivers license a one year grace period to renew their licenses so that it can be transferred to French licenses.
Wescot Williams said this is the second time residents of the French side and holders of Dutch Drivers license are given a grace period however, she does not know why those persons did not take advantage of the grace period the first time around. Asked how soon would that regulation would be in place, the Prime Minister said it is her belief that the process will be finalized within a few days.

Philipsburg– The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association will be representing St. Maarten at Caribbean Marketplace 2011. The purpose of this trip is to meet, develop and strengthen relationships with representatives of the various wholesalers as well as obtain feedback on the performance of the island's most recent branding strategy, accompanying advertising campaigns and island promotions.
The SHTA, which will be represented by its President Emil Lee and 2nd Vice President May Ling Chun, also looks forward to the networking opportunities and hopes to establish new working relationships at Marketplace 2011.
The SHTA has encouraged all buyers, whether they have made an appointment with the SHTA or not, to visit the booth and get acquainted with St. Maarten and its products.

Philipsburg:--- The Council of Ministers held a meeting with the bank managers on Thursday to further discuss which currency would be better for Country St Maarten. Well placed sources told SMN News that government is leaning towards dollarization while the banks operating on St. Maarten disagree with government's choice especially since government has a huge deficit in their budget.
One bank manager spoke to SMN News on the condition of anonymity said government does not seem to understand that the US dollar is not their currency and it has to be bought from the United States. Furthermore, the well known banker said that government is not considering the effects of a hurricane and the impact that would have on the economy. "What if we are hit by a hurricane and there is no tourist and boats coming here for one year, what will government do to pay its salaries?" the banker asked.
While the discussion is far from over, the source said it seems as though government is set with its decision.

Philipsburg:--- The office of the Ombudsman will open to the public next week for three days announce St. Maarten Ombudsman Nidla Arduin Lynch at a press conference on Friday. Even though the office space for the Ombudsman is not yet complete the Ombudsman said she will begin receiving the public on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.

Arduin Lynch gave a detailed introduction of her function which is posted below.

The Federal Ordinance on the Ombudsman, “Landsverordening Ombudsman” (AB 2010 GT no.20) is an organic law that regulates the legal status, tasks and authorities of the Ombudsman.  It is an organic law because the establishment of the Ombudsman is laid down in the Constitution (article 78).

The main task of the Bureau as described in the afore-mentioned ordinance is to investigate complaints filed by the citizens of St Maarten against a department, civil servant, other person or entity with public authority and competency when carrying out the administrative functions¹

The Federal Ordinance on the Constitutional Court, “Landsverordening Constitutionele Hof” (AB 2010 GT no.29), regulates another task of the Ombudsman, namely that of guardian of the Constitution:  laws that are ratified, but not implemented and are or may appear to be in conflict with the Constitution can be submitted by the Ombudsman to the Constitutional Court for total or partial annulment.

The organizational structure of the Bureau consists of the Ombudsman, the Secretary/Policy Advisor, a Senior Lawyer (“Jurist”), two Complaint Officers and the Administrative Clerk.

1.Acceptance of complaints by the Bureau.

Since the swearing in of the first Ombudsman on October 10^th 2010 a lot of ground work has been taking place to get the Bureau up and running.

Although we are not completely equipped, we will be accepting complaints starting January 17th 2011 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the former ECC (Eastern Caribbean Cellular) Building on the first floor.

We apologize, in advance for the inconvenience and for the tardiness in replying to your request. The renovations to the building are still in progress, the office furniture & equipment and  computers still need to be ordered and will be delivered as soon as the building is completed. The staff will be hired immediately upon receiving the approval of the formation plan by the Parliament, and the nomination process by Government is completed.

Our motto will be: “no one may leave the Bureau without an answer.” Even if the case is not a matter for the Ombudsman, the client will be pointed in the right direction.

2. The tasks, functioning and authority of the Ombudsman.

Important for the community to know is:

a)      What can the Ombudsman mean for me (“Public Defender”);

b)      How can I file a complaint?

Ad a) The Law states (article 15 of the Federal Ordinance Ombudsman) that everybody has the right to file a complaint at the Ombudsman.

• Everybody signifies natural persons and legal entities (companies, NGO’s, foundations, associations etc.,).
• A complaint is an expression of displeasure or dissatisfaction about a conduct. The conduct refers to that of a government body, civil servant, person or entity with public authority and competence. ( A complaint is not a problem with your neighbor or wife nor is a request of government or government department considered as a complaint).
• Government bodies are all government departments, including Ministers, civil servants and private entities charged with public authority and competence (government tasks and decisions that are delegated by government).  Government bodies that are exempted are Parliament, Justice and the Electoral Board.

The Ombudsman is not authorized to investigate:

• actions/non actions of private entities, except if they are charged with public authority (execute government tasks);
• When the complaint covers:

a)      a general policy of the government body;

b)      a general binding regulation

• legal procedure on the issue is already in process
• a decision is already taken by an administrative court on the matter

Ad b)To facilitate the people we have prepared a standard complaint form that complies with all the legal requirements regarding the filing of a complaint.

Noteworthy to mention is that some cases do not warrant a stringent investigation but a simple intervention on the part of the Ombudsman can also yield the required solution.

The law further provides for the Ombudsman to take the initiative to investigate a conduct of a government body or civil servant, if he/she suspects that the conduct is improper (article 16 Federal Ordinance Ombudsman).  Examples of the afore-mentioned are:

• when there is a suspicion that something is structurally wrong in a department, government entity, or with a civil servant   or
• based on public outcry (on a valid issue).

During the investigation the Ombudsman can request the assistance of experts or other control entities, such as the General Audit Chamber, Corporate Governance Council etc.

It is therefore imperative that contact be established with these instances and other Supervisory /Control institutions such as, General Audit Chamber, MOT, Corporate Governance Council, Council for Law and Order etc.

The general rule of thumb is that the Ombudsman is always authorized to investigate, whether based on a complaint or on his/her own initiative, as long as the law does not forbid it.

The investigation will entail gathering information from all government departments, entities, civil servants and related experts. They are obliged to comply with the request within the time frame stipulated by the Ombudsman.

What if persons do not comply? Then the person within the organization will be informed according to the order of the hierarchy of authority. However, at the end of the day the

Minister is ultimately responsible!

The Ombudsman is appointed by Parliament and thus also reports directly to Parliament and by extension, to the general public.

Another important task of the Ombudsman is regulated in the Federal Ordinance of the Constitutional Court and can be summarized as the Guardian of the Constitution.

If the Ombudsman suspects that a law is in conflict with the Constitution, he/she can submit that law to the Constitutional Court for complete or partial annulment.

The law states that the Ombudsman must receive the pertinent law for review after it has been ratified by the Council of Ministers and 6 weeks before it takes effect.

When is a law/ordinance deemed unconstitutional?

a)      When the content conflicts with the Constitution;

b)      When procedures as provided for in the Constitution, are not followed;

CURRENT EXAMPLES:

A. Example of the Buncamper case:

This case was initiated with an article in one of the daily newspapers followed by an outcry of the public.

a)      The action or improper conduct took place not while the person was a Minister but a Commissioner ( additionally, the Federal Ordinance on the Ombudsman was not in effect)

b)      If the law was in place: Could a complaint be filed against a Minister or Commissioner? I other words is the position of Minister exempted from being investigated? A Minister is not exempted and therefore his/her conduct can be investigated to determine if the conduct is improper.

c)      Disregarding the fact that the Federal Ordinance was not in effect, could the citizen who filled the land and requested the land in long lease file a complaint based on:

• misuse of power by the Commissioner;
• not in compliance with the principles of good governance (by government).

Yes, if he  is affected by it.

B.Example of an investigation based on the initiative of the Ombudsman is the Kadaster Case:

Can Kadaster be investigated by the Ombudsman? Is Kadaster a public entity with public competence and authority?

• Yes, Kadaster is a private entity with public authority because:

a)      it was founded by government to execute government tasks;

b)      it decides on tariffs;

c)      it decides on how to spend monies collected for (government) services;

 

• There was a public outcry against the functioning of the Kadaster, which started with the dismissal case and the verdict of 13 October 2010; the discontent intensified with the issuance of conflicting registration of the land in long lease in the Buncamper case.

Incorrect statements were made by the Director in the media, example, that the Kadaster has nothing to do with Government and that the people will have to inform Kadaster if they see a mistake.  Registry of land in Public Registers, in accordance with the law, is paramount with regards to legal certainty of the status of real estate. The registration of incorrect information can have economic, social and legal consequences. The Kadaster situation is a matter that immediately/on a daily basis affects the entire community.  Matters of land registry are of utmost importance for the legal status of property.

C.Example of the submission of an ordinance for total or partial annulment at the Constitutional Court:

The Ordinance in question is the Ordinance regarding Prosecution of Persons in Authority.

Apart from technicalities like the date of ratification of the ordinance in light of the transitional law and other matters, the main question is whether the law is unconstitutional or not!

As indicated before I will get my clues from the general public and interest groups, but the Ombudsman is ultimately responsible for the decision whether to proceed with a request for annulment or not.

The position of the Bar Association regarding the law on Prosecution of Persons in Authority as stated in a recent article is: that the infringement on the Constitution, the basic rights of equality and non discrimination, goes much further.

The task of the Ombudsman in such cases is to evaluate if the basic rights of the citizens are limited, discriminated, or infringed upon by privileging a certain group in the community, or persons in authority?

The principals of equal rights and non-discrimination provide that everybody should be treated equally in equal situations.

The legal questions that should be posed in this case are:

• Is the position of elected officials and persons charged with public authority (Parliamentarians and Ministers not just any politician) equal to the average citizen?

 

• Is it discriminatory to charge the highest ranking authority in the Public Prosecutor’s office, the Attorney General, with the decision to prosecute, or not to prosecute a person in authority?

It must be made clear that it is not a matter of not prosecuting a person in authority at all, but charging the Attorney General, the highest ranking authority, with that decision.

The Ombudsman should at all times be vigilant in interpreting the law related to the Constitution, as well as other implications, which may undermine the Constitution or the system in another way:

A principle behind a law, outdated or protective of a certain group of people, does not readily establish conflict with the Constitution, and should be analyzed based on legal theory. (Opinions may differ).

For the Bar Association to assume that the Attorney General may not request to prosecute a person in authority is rather odd; it undermines the office and authority of the Attorney General.

3) OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE BUREAU:

After we are settled, the personnel officially appointed and office furniture, website, IT, computers are in place, we will officially launch the opening of the Bureau.

We have prepared the ground work and are waiting for the final go by Parliament, Government and USONA to furnish and staff the Bureau.

We will start, cautiously, to accept complaints; the 100 days after becoming country has passed and the adjustment period is over. We must begin to serve the public even with the little that we have.

4) FUTURE SESSIONS:

For the first year emphasis will be placed on informing the public by organizing:

• Press Briefings and issuing press releases;
• Information sessions upon request or by the Ombudsman for organizations and other interest groups /stakeholders (Community Councils, Environmental Foundations, Chamber of Commerce, Unions etc)
• Information sessions at the Community Centers etc.

The Ombudsman is a new institution for St Maarten; the public must become aware of its existence, role and tasks.  Guidelines and policies will continuously be reviewed and upgraded;  technology will be introduced to improve the level of service of the Bureau and to fulfill the role of Watch Dog of the Constitution.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Economic & Tourism Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunications Franklin Meyers, met with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun, who is based in the Netherlands, on Friday morning at the Government Administration Building.

China surpassed Japan as the world's second-largest economy last quarter, capping the nation's three- decade rise from Communist isolation to emerging superpower.

Japan's nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the second quarter totalled US$1.288 trillion, less than China's US$1.337 trillion.

China with a population of approximately 1.3 billion people will overtake the U.S., where annual GDP is about $14 trillion, as the world's largest economy by 2027, according to

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. chief economist Jim O'Neill.

China's surpassing of Japan points to its increasingly dominant role in the global economy.

The Minister indicated that Sint Maarten is more than willing to explore the possibilities between the two countries in the areas of Tourism and Economy. We have to share information and explore possibilities on which projects we could engage in, Minister Meyers pointed out.

By 2020, China will have 100 million outbound travellers, the highest in the world. In 2009, 50 million travelled a figure that is increasing annually by 20 per cent.

According to Chinese statistics, each very wealthy individual traveller spent US$6,000 each on a visit to the United States, so there are huge opportunities for the retail industry to position the Caribbean as a super-premium destination for the discerning traveller. Other draws include gambling, golf and VIP experiences.

Currently there is a very good working relationship in trade between the Netherlands and China. Within the European Union, the Netherlands is ranked number two for the past eight years, according to the Ambassador, who indicated as well that Sint Maarten could take advantage of this situation and join the relationship and examine the possibilities that would benefit both countries.

Minister Meyers said that indeed he will look into the possibility of setting up a mechanism to explore on how to increase the possibilities and opportunities in working with Chinese companies to the benefit of the Sint Maarten community where it concerns our socio-economic development.

Ambassador Jun welcomed the Minister's words and expressed his willingness of the Government in Sint Maarten to work together with China.

...

Great Bay (GIS):--- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a health authority body linked to the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, reported thus far no confirmed dengue cases have been reported.

However, there are a few suspected dengue cases. Suspected indicates that the reported cases even though all the symptoms are present the person didn’t go to the lab for confirmation, indicating that the case was clinically diagnosed.

Sint Maarten as of December 2010, has registered 173 confirmed cases of dengue in comparison to 2009 with 25 confirmed dengue cases.

The CPS continues to urge the community to be vigilant in implementing preventative measures to remove or eliminate mosquito breeding sites/places, which should decrease the mosquito population and therefore eliminate the risk of a possible dengue outbreak.

Decreasing the mosquito population calls for a combination of two strategies, firstly, the removal of breeding places and fogging.  However, considering the environment and the life cycle of the mosquito (aedes aegypti), emphasis is being placed on the strategy of eliminating mosquito breeding places.  Based on the fact that the breeding places is the source where the larvae breeds and stays until they are an adult.

CPS continues to emphasize that home and business owners should check around their properties right after a rain shower and take immediate measures.

Dengue fever is caused by a virus, transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected aedes aegypti mosquito.  Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint and eye pain, nausea and vomiting, and a possible rash.

Once a person has developed a fever, the infectious period lasts for about a week.  Most people recover without any complications, using pain relievers (that contain no aspirin) and bed rest.  If a person was diagnosed with dengue fever this person is more at risk for dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Contractors on job sites are advised to take immediate steps by checking around the work site for containers and other items that could hold water.  Check around for any stagnant water in yards that could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

CPS strongly recommends that vacant lots owned by individuals should be maintained and monitored for mosquito breeding.  Overgrown vegetation should be cut away.  If a mosquito breeding site is discovered, it should be destroyed.

Residents are therefore strongly advised to take action making sure that there is no stagnant water in their yards and roof spouts; and disposing responsibly old tires, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around their homes and businesses.  Wear appropriate clothing and mosquito repellent.

Philipsburg:--- A well known former surgeon of the St. Maarten Medical Center Dr. Luke Mercelina is one of the possible candidates that will replace former Minister of Health Maria Buncamper Molanus.
SMN News has been reliably informed that Dr. Mercelina who resigned from the St. Maarten Medical Center was contacted for the position. However, it is not clear if he accepted the offer made by the Democratic Party. Other candidates whose name surfaced in the media are Cornelius De Weever, and Erno Labega, both men are civil servants working for the island government of St. Maarten.
Sources close to the Democratic Party said that DP parliamentarian Leroy De Weever wanted his nephew in that position from the day he was elected but somehow his party nominated Maria Buncamper Molanus to the position rather than allowing her to become a parliamentarian. According to the source the Democratic Party wanted to make sure Roy Marlin got a job in parliament. Buncamper Molanus was the third highest vote getter on the DP slate with 136 votes and she was asked to give up her seat in parliament and take up the position of Minister of Health and Labour.
Buncamper Molanus was forced to make a position available to the council of Ministers when the scandal broke about the parcel of land she received on Pond Island while she was a commissioner and later sold the economic rights of the property for 3 million USD.
In the meantime, the prosecutor's office is expected to take a decision this week as to whether or not they are going to prosecute Buncamper Molanus for the sale of the economic rights of the long lease land.
Press Prosecutor Rienk Mud said no decision has been taken as yet as his colleague is busy studying the file.

The executive board of the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) met with police officials on Monday to discuss safety and security, new routes and other issues regarding Carnival 2011.
The SCDF was represented by its president Stuart Johnson, Treasurer Erno Labega and Secretary Michael Granger. Police Commissioner Carl John and Inspector Ricardo Henson represented the police force of St. Maarten.
Johnson explained that safety and security are of the utmost priority for the SCDF and open communication with the police force re-enforces that priority puts both entities on the same page when it comes ensuring that Carnival revelers have a safe season.
"We have maintained a very open and professional working relationship with the police force and our meeting on Monday reflected that. It was cordial and very open and honest. By now both the SCDF and Police are very familiar with eachother's operations, so our discussions focused mainly on issues that needed tweaking," Johnsons said.
The force was apprised of the fact that the Carnival schedule features five jump-ups with varying starting points and routes (to be announced in a subsequent release) and the combination of the Junior and Grand Parades.
"Once we adhere to mutually agreed upon stipulations, the police had no problems with any of our changes. We think the public will be very excited about some of the new things we'll be doing in terms of routes. We are also counting on the public to adhere to peace and order to avoid incurring the strong arm of the law. It's Carnival, we all want to have a good time, not an out-of-hand time," Johnson said.

Philipsburg:--- The brother of Angella Leblanc George who died from strangulation on April 22 2010 appeared in the court of first instance on Wednesday to answer to manslaughter charges. The prosecution demanded a 12 year prison sentence for the man they suspected of killing his sister based on a statement they received from an eyewitness who claimed to have seen when the suspect Riviere George (38) strangled his sister by grabbing her by the throat in her Sucker Garden home. According to the prosecution, the statement from the eyewitness is consistent with the autopsy report presented in court.
Prosecutor Rienk Mud found that manslaughter has been proven and asked that the suspect be sentenced to 12 years. The suspect claims he is innocent as he was very close with his sister and that he never fought with her during his entire life. However, Mud said it appeared that the suspect had a gambling habit and he also appeared to have some debts. Mud said Angella Leblanc had withdrawn $1000.00 from the bank that day and based on phone records the suspect was not truthful as to his whereabouts on the ill-fated day when his sister was killed.
Attorney at law Shaira Bommel pleaded with the court to acquit her client claiming that the witness's statements were contradictory and therefore not reliably. Bommel dismissed the prosecution's argument that money had been the motive for the killing. However, the prosecution claimed that the suspect was well aware that his sister had withdrawn $1000.00 from the bank that day and since the suspect is a gambling addict with money problems he killed his sister. Bommel also asked the judge to disqualify the DNA evidence provided to the court which showed the victim's blood was on the suspect's jeans. Bommel said the blood found on her client jeans could be her client's own blood because brothers and sisters sometimes have similar DNA patterns. Judge Monique Keppels will pronounce her decision on February 9th.

Philipsburg:--- Parliamentarians of country St. Maarten who are the highest legislative body responsible for having the necessary laws in place to protect the rights of workers as well as the citizens of St. Maarten were told they should do the honourable thing and put laws in place to prevent companies from abusing the current loopholes in the labour law to exploit their workers.
Labour mediator Kenneth Lopes and WIFOL President Theophilus Thompson made clear that if the pertinent laws were in place then the unionism would be stronger and workers would have had better job security. Members of the National Alliance faction who requested the meeting asked Thompson about article 34 of the Collective Labour Agreement that was signed by the management of Royal Resorts and the Union in 2009 and if that article is applicable in the discussions he engaged with the new management companies. Thompson assured parliament that it was because of that article and another article he identified in another CLA as article 32 that forced the new management company to agree to hire 145 workers indefinitely. The unionist said that the new management company presented three proposals during the weeks of negotiations he held with them and the first two were rejected by the union.
Members of the National Alliance faction asked the union and the labour mediator if the company was playing games when they manufactured paper companies to get rid of the workers, since the management company remains the same with the same person as managing director of both new companies. That managing director at center of the Pelican saga is also a member of parliament Jules James who participated in all the negotiations including the one held on Wednesday night.
James also participated in the parliamentary debate on Thursday even though the chairlady of parliament Gracita Arrindell told SMN News last Tuesday that when this meeting is called James would have had to recluse himself from the meeting. It turned out that based on the rules of order James is allowed to participate in the debate but he would not have been allowed to vote if that was needed.
The National Alliance faction also showed that while there is a paper trail to show that the names of the companies have changed, the lawyers and workers are the same, yet the company wanted to get rid of the workers who have worked for the company for years and to rehire them on short term contracts or outsource labour to Mexicans. Another high point discussed with the labour mediator and union was the fact that Pelican Resort is short staffed and there are already three local companies working for Royal Resorts as outsourcing companies. Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin asked what sense does this make. The company he said is short staffed and they are outsourcing work to outside companies who may have personal interest to those working in management or the current political arena. Member of Parliament Louie Laveist said he fought for years to protect workers and the political party to which he was affiliated could not care less about protecting the labour market. Laviest further said he was the only elected person under the Democratic Party who fought for the increase in minimum wage which he finally secured.
While most of the stern questions were posed to the labour mediator and the union. Attorney at law Jairo Bloem representative of the new management companies attended the meeting even though he had indicated to the chairlady of parliament by letter that he does not agree with the invitation presented to his clients to answer to parliament while it is the council of ministers who are responsible for providing answers to parliament. Bloem said the council of ministers were given full disclosure on the ongoing issue relating to Pelican Resorts which was foreclosed on December 16th despite two court cases by the Tennants Association who objected to the foreclosure. Bloem also informed parliament that the judge ruled in favour of Royal Resorts both cases are in appeal. Chief Executive Officer of Royal Resorts Richard Curso also attended the meeting where he provided information on the financial aspect of the company and why former owners were forced to foreclose. Curso said the company was sold to its financiers since they were the only bidder. The new owners turned out to be the mother company of Royal Resorts incorporated in Mexico.
The entire audio of the parliamentary proceedings is below we urge our readers to take the time out and listen to the audio we have provided.

Great Bay:--- Are you a youngster between the ages of 16 and 24 who has not been able to complete your secondary school education? And do you love working with your hands? There is still time for you to register for the Room Care Attendant Course which is set to begin in a few weeks under the auspices of the St. Maarten Youth Development Program (YDP).

According to a press release issued by the YDP, The program still has some spaces open and registration is being held at the Youth Development Program office upstairs at Carl and Son's Bakery on the Walter J. Nisbeth Road (Pondfill) in Philipsburg. The office is open Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. "All you need to register is a copy of your St. Maarten identification (I.D) card," the release stated.
The course consists of practical classes, on-site classes (in the hotels) and job training. Participants will undergo job training in the Maintenance and Room Care departments of hotels and resorts on the island.
The course, which will be conducted by the Caribbean Institute of Social Education Foundation (CIFSEF), will last 6 months three of which will be dedicated to the development of social skills, job skills and computer training.
YDP has already held a very successful Room Care Attendant course in 2010. Out of the 22 students that took the course, 18 students successfully completed it and graduated in November 2010.
Young men who have graduated from the Room Care Attendant course have gone on to do positive things. Some of the participants who wanted to continue studying were accepted into the SBO Maritime course and others were offered employment at the hotel where they did their job training.
The Youth Development Program is a second chance educational program, funded by USONA, for youngsters between 16 and 24 years old who were unable to finish secondary education. The Program is executed by the Division of Educational Research, Policy and Innovations (DERPI) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports.
For more information on the program or registration, contact Janelle James at 543-0497 or visit YDP's facebook page: SXM YDP. You can also e-mail the YDP team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Justice Roland Duncan in an interview with SMN News said on Sunday that he filed a complaint with the police department when he found out that someone had stolen one of the stamps belonging to government. Duncan said based on that investigation at least three persons from the Brooks Tower Accord (BTA) office has been detained, while police also arrested two other persons.
The Minister said they were tipped off that people were buying and selling forged documents as well as the numbers that people were queuing up for at the BTA office. Duncan said while people were joining the lines to obtain a number there were others selling these numbers. Minister Duncan further explained that when he tried to intervene and to bring about order someone stole a government stamp. He said the stolen stamp was part reason why the people were lining up and while suspicions had arisen a complaint was filed. "What happened on Friday is the outcome of the investigation that is being conducted by police."
The Minister said the project went smoothly until around December 27 to 29th when the stamp was stolen.
The Minister said police (investigating team) already found some fraudulent documents and monies were confiscated. Duncan said he does not have details on the ongoing investigation, however, there is strong indication that crimes have been committed. Furthermore, he is expecting a report sometime in the future.
Minister Duncan also confirmed that he does not have the necessary Ministerial decree in place which would have outlined the BTA intake procedures. Initially former Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba had said that St. Maarten only had to finalize the procedure for those persons who did not submit their application for the extension of their BTA permit prior to 10/10/10. But St. Maarten's Minister of Justice decided to give persons who could prove that they were residing and working on the island the opportunity to submit their documents. Minister Duncan said while he did not change the criteria for the BTA he instructed the team to accept applications from people who fell under category 1. Minister Duncan said it did not make sense to tell people they were too late in submitting their documents to become legal residents of the island but they had qualified.

Co-ordinator of the project Evelyn Hodge worked on the restructuring of the BTA project which she implemented early November under the orders of the Minister of Justice, even though the Minister did not put the necessary Ministerial decrees in place.
However, all in-take of documents have been suspended pending the investigation. Documents that were submitted by various people have been turned over to the police so that the current fraud investigation can proceed. Further notice on how the BTA extension project will take place will be released at a later date said Minister Duncan. Minister Duncan said he will be guided by the police as to how he needs to proceed with the processing of the BTA applications.
The Minister also called on persons who already received legal documents for the processing of their BTA permits to go to the labour department and proceed with their administrative work. However, persons who wilfully bought documents should know that they risk being arrested as the documents sold to them are fraudulent. "As long as you are confident that that your documents are legitimate and you did not buy them then go and follow the instructions given to you at the labour department." The Minister said.
Police on Friday arrested five persons, three of which were working at the IND building (BTA) section as the fraud investigations continues.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto says one of his top priorities is the signing of the Central Bank of Curacao & Sint Maarten (CBCS) transition regulation agreement, in order for the aforementioned national institution to be able to carry out its work for both countries.

This point was discussed with his Curacao colleague the Honourable Minister of Finance J. Jamaloodin who he met with last week Friday in Willemstad, Curacao.

The legal affairs departments of both countries are reviewing the final drafts and as soon as they have been completed, both ministers will need to sign the transition regulations.

The CBCS needs to have a board in place in order to decide on important matters such as budgets, annual accounts, etc.

"I am fully aware of the urgency of the matter and hence my meeting with my colleague from Curacao to discuss this matter," Minister Shigemoto pointed out.

The issue of dollarization was also discussed with Curacao Minister of Finance J. Jamaloodin and the latter shared a document which was prepared by the Curacao International Financial Services Association (CIFA) on Dollarization with Minister Shigemoto.

"I explained the Honourable Minister J. Jamaloodin that Sint Maarten has not decided anything pertaining to dollarization as we are still in the process of gathering factual information, exchanging information, and most importantly, listening to stakeholders. This information gathering process will continue.

"Finally, the issue of a closer working relationship between the Ministers of Finance of Curacao and Sint Maarten was also discussed and mutually agreed upon," Minister Shigemoto concluded.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto says the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dutch Caribbean Securities Exchange (DCSX) L. Santine is interested in setting up an exchange on Sint Maarten and plans to also visit the island to inform stakeholders.

Last week Thursday evening during his working visit to Curacao, Honourable Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto attended the launch of the DCSX which was held at the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten's auditorium.

According to the Minister, this was a well attended event which brought participants from especially the financial services sector of Curacao to witness this launch.

Informative speeches were given by the Chairman of the DCSX E. Andersen, Curacao Minister of Finance, Hon. J. Jamaloodin, Curacao Minister of Economic Affairs, Hon. Abdul Nasser El Hakim, Director of Supervision, S. Salesie, and the CEO of the DCSX, L. Santine.

"L. Santine indicated the interest of the DCSX to come to Sint Maarten for an informative presentation to the government, banks, as well as members of the financial services sector.

"This launch and cocktail reception provided the opportunity for network opportunities with representatives of several entities within the financial services sector.

"Furthermore L. Santine expressed an interest to come to Sint Maarten to also introduce the DCSX locally. This will be coordinated with the assistance of my cabinet," Honourable Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto said on Tuesday.

The DCSX has as its mission to become an international exchange for listing and trading of domestic and international securities.

It will further complement the international financial sector and serve as an extension to the menu of services currently offered by the local financial services community.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell would like to congratulate Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Chairman Honourable Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis, Dr. Denzil Douglas, with respect to entry into force the revised OECS Treaty establishing an economic union among sub-regional nations.

The OECS's economic union will empower the citizens of the union by making possible greater freedom of movement and of economic action.

The revised treaty was signed back on June 18, 2010 in St. Lucia, with Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Kitts & Nevis agreeing that January 21 was the date for the treaty to commence operation.

Montserrat, British Virgin Islands and Anguilla British dependencies are also members of the OECS along with the six independent countries.

On June 18, 1981, the Treaty of Basseterre was signed leading to the establishment of the OECS.

"I believe that Sint Maarten as a country needs to pursue closer relations with the islands within the region, especially under the umbrella of the OECS and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

"Such relations can lead to functional cooperation and a deepening of regional understanding for issues that affect us all as regional countries. Economic blocks have been formed across the globe, and Sint Maarten as a young country has to look outside the box and at the global realities.

"The OECS has a population of over half a million. As a nation we are well aware of the importance of the Caribbean shopper and the contributions they have made to our economy over the years.

"There are many benefits and opportunities that we should further explore and this can only be done by joining with such regional institutions as the OECS and CARICOM to the benefit and welfare of the country," President of Parliament Honourable Gracita Arrindell said on Tuesday.

The SHTA recently donated $1500 to the EPIC foundation to assist with the purchase of educational materials and other promotional materials for its Love the Lagoon Project. The project which was launched in March 2007 is aimed at raising environmental awareness and addressing the Simpson Bay Lagoon's pollution problems through educational programs and stakeholder participation.
Although the health and ecology of the Simpson Bay Lagoon has suffered with increasing urbanization, the SHTA agrees that the lagoon still serves significant environmental and ecological purposes and forms a central point in the marine tourism industry of St. Maarten. The SHTA feels it therefore important to support the EPIC foundation's strive to promote the Love the Lagoon image by providing environmental education and public outreach to increase awareness and concern for the Lagoon environment and the threats it currently faces.
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) is a non-governmental, non-profit Foundation which has been managing and carrying-out nature conservation projects, research and environmental education programs on St. Maarten since 2001. Additional information on EPIC and the Foundation's activities is available at www.epicislands.org.
This donation was made possible by SHTA's Dollar-A-Day fund. SHTA's Dollar-A-Day program was established in 2005 and has funded, among others: clean-up campaigns, the Caribcert programs, Dollar-A-Day scholarships, Guest Excellence Training program for employees in the Hospitality sector and donations to various youth organizations on the island. SHTA is grateful to its hotel members who have continuously supported and contributed to the program over the years. These include: Sonesta Maho, Sonesta Great Bay, Divi Little Bay, Oyster Bay Beach Resort, La Vista Resort, Turquoise Shell Inn, L'Esperance Hotel, Royal Islander Club and Princess Heights. For more info on the SHTA and its Dollar-A-Day program, go to www.shta.com

Philipsburg:--- Disruption in the various schools and government offices will continue on Friday as the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU), The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union (WICSU/PSU) and the ABVO are calling on all their members to come out at the John Larmonie Centre on Friday where they will continue their meetings.
On Thursday several schools had to send home students as many of their teachers heeded the call of the WITU to attend an informative meeting at the John Larmonie Centre to discuss a counter proposal to send to Finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto.
While the WICSC/PSU and ABVO called on their members to join the teachers who are protesting the withholding of their cost of living allowances, not many civil servants heeded their union's call.
President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union Claire Elshot told reporters on Thursday afternoon that government and department heads used certain measures to intimidate the civil core, thus forcing them not to attend the meetings. However, Members of Parliament and UP faction leader Romain Laville and George Pantophlet from the National Alliance attended the first half of the meetings on Thursday as they both expressed solidarity with the workers.
Elshot called on Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams who is responsible for general affairs and labour to inform the department heads of the ILO conventions that governs the rights of the workers with unionism. Elshot said the unions will no longer tolerate this act of intimidation as meetings are held during working hours in other islands and unions would gain the respect. Elshot said the schools and department heads are using some old antiquated tactics to intimidate the workers and if she takes the next step and reports it to the Geneva Convention, Brussels and ILO it would an embarrassment to country St. Maarten who seems not to know their ILO convention.
The WITU president said St. Maarten now has an island crisis and as such they are calling on all their members to show up at the meetings. The unionist is also calling on parents to keep their children at home while the competent authorities should to inform parents to secure their children during these meetings.
Elshot said that the members of the three unions have decided to reject the proposal of the Finance Minister and as such they will be informing him in writing that his proposal has been rejected and as such the unions wants him to maintain the resolution that was agreed upon last August.
Juliette Greene Blyden general secretary of the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union (WICSU/PSU) said they are in solidarity with the WITU. Greene Blyden said when St. Maarten became country the intention was for the lifestyles of the citizens to improve. However, all they are seeing is austerity measures being imposed. The WICSU general secretary said they are looking forward to an improved livelihood for their membership. She said the millennium development was to improve lifestyles and to abolish poverty all of which she said is contrary on St. Maarten.
Representative of ABVO Sajoel Richardson said the ABVO is also in total solidarity with all the proposals and resolutions that are sent to the Council of Ministers. Richardson said the ABVO is also in solidarity with the Pelican workers and as such the ABVO is urging their members to come out on Friday at the information sessions.
In the meantime, a blackberry message is circulating claiming that the Minister of Education said on Wednesday night during her campaign on compulsory education that the teachers are irresponsible and that the teachers are fighting for nonsense. Elshot said they also received the same message via blackberry, however, she will reserve her comment until the honourable Minister expresses herself to her. Elshot also said the only reason the teachers and civil servants are in the meetings is not to discuss what the Ministers think about them instead they are discussing what the Council of Ministers have done to them.
Elshot also told SMN News that during the meeting on Wednesday the unions were told that St. Maarten did not get back its share of ToT from Curacao from 2007 to 2010 and when the Netherlands Antilles dismantled the accounts were closed.
Much of the talks were about the deficit in the budget and the so called mess the new government claimed they met when they entered office in October.
We urged our readers to listen to the audio of the press conference with the unions.

Philipsburg:--- Teachers and Civil Servants who participated in the meetings called by the unions to discuss and protest against the cost of living allowances booed Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto as he entered the government administration building on Friday afternoon.
The teachers and their union representatives marched from the Sports Auditorium where they gathered for the third day to discuss their cost of living allowances. They arrived at the government administration building chanting that they want their monies now, and not part of the allowance but all that is due to them. When the angry teachers and civil servants arrived at the government administration building, none of the Ministers were in office.
A letter was deposited by the unions at the department of general affairs for the each of the Ministers from the Council of Ministers, the Members of Parliament, and copy was also sent to the Governor of St. Maarten.
Shortly after giving in the letter to general affairs, President of the WITU Claire Elshot informed her members that she was following the legal procedures by sending in the letter to the Ministers and Members of Parliament. As she was updating the crowd the Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams arrived and was escorted by security into her office. Moments later Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger also arrived at the building. Heyliger who is known to be friendly greeted some of the teachers before he entered the building.
However, Finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto who also came during the same period kept his head straight as he too was escorted by security to his office. The Minister of Tourism Franklin Meyers also came to the building but left shortly after.
A meeting was then called by the Prime Minister, deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance with the representatives of the unions.

Philipsburg:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell would like to announce that Parliament will sit in public session on Tuesday, February 1 starting at 3.00pm in the Dr. Claude Wathey Legislative Hall.

Members of Parliament (MPs) are expected to vote on the formation plan of the Office of the Ombudsman as well as the various allowances for the aforementioned honourable office.

The Central Committee of Parliament met on January 13, 24 and 25 to discuss the formation plan and other business related to the honourable office of the Ombudsman.

Parliament will also discuss the matter of the Brooks Towers Accord (BTA) and have requested the presence of the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan to question him with respect to the continuation of the BTA process. The BTA agenda point was requested by the National Alliance faction in parliament.

The four parliamentary factions that have representation in the Parliament of Sint Maarten, are the United Peoples party (UP), Democratic Party (DP), Independent Member of Parliament Patrick Illidge and the National Alliance (NA).

Philipsburg:--- The SHTA has taken note of Finance Minister, Hiro Shigemoto's explanation regarding the TOT legislation and understands that there are amendments that should make the legislation more clear. However, the SHTA maintains that its interpretation of the published legislation was correct.

Furthermore, the SHTA believes that the amendment of the existing legislation should have ONLY reflected the change from 3-5% along with the adjusted exemption items. The fact that other articles were altered and that the process to approve the legislation had been rushed without proper dialogue, left the SHTA with no choice but to comment publicly.

The SHTA understands that it is not the intention of the Minister of Finance to implement an import duty (it was an oversight) and that a corrective law will be issued, however if there is no follow up and the correction is not published, the legislation for an import duty intermingled within the Turnover Tax legislation will hold.

The SHTA believes that this confusion could have been avoided had the Ministry met with stakeholders to review the draft legislation before publishing it. It is for this reason that the SHTA is again reiterating the need for closer cooperation between public and private sector even more so now with the vast task ahead of designing a new tax structure for 2012.

The SHTA would also like to clarify that while Paul van Vliet through PWC is a member of the SHTA, he has not held a position on the Board of the SHTA for the past 3 ½ years.

Philipsburg:--- The six members of the National Alliance faction in parliament namely William Marlin,      George Pantophlet, Hyacinth Richardson, Frans Richardson , Lloyd Richardson and Louie Laveist have submitted a letter to the chairlady of Parliament Gracita Arrindell requesting that a central committee meeting be called to discuss the “Developments surrounding the sale of the Pelican Resort and the job security of the employees.”

The National Alliance faction also requested that the following persons be invited to the meeting:

1. Representatives of the new owning company of the Pelican Resort; Simpson Bay Resort Owner Company B.V.
2. Representatives of the new management company of the Pelican Resort; Simpson Bay Resort Management Company B.V.
3. Representatives of the W.I.F.O.L.
4. Mr. Kenneth Lopes (Labour Mediator)

 

The President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell confirmed receipt of the letter during a press conference she called on Monday to release the schedule of parliament. Quizzed by members of the press if she would consider calling the meeting prior to the two week time frame as outlined in the rules of order Arrindell said at least one member of the NA faction asked that she call the meeting early. Arrindell said the two weeks is for parliament to prepare for such meetings but she will consider the request submitted by the National Alliance.

SMN News has been reliably informed that the United Peoples Party met with Member of Parliament Jules James on Monday where James was asked to provide his faction with information on the ongoing saga at the Pelican Resort and the exact role he played. James is the managing director of both new companies that bought the resort.

On December 30th the Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs the Honorable Mr. Franklin Myers signed a major step towards marine environmental protection for the country St Maarten when he approved the establishment of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park.
The boundaries of the Marine Park are between 18̊ ̊N and 17 ̊-57.0 N and 63 ̊-01.03 W and 63 ̊-04.05 W, in an area better known as "the Proselyte Reef Complex ". This area includes the island's most ecologically and economical important marine habitat, including extensive coral reef areas and seagrass beds. This area was chosen to be a priority for official conservation because of its intrinsic ecological, economic and cultural value. The Man of War Shoal Marine Park is a home and migratory stop over or breeding site for 3 IUCN Red List Species, 10 CITES Appendix I species and 89 Appendix II species. It is an area with a relatively healthy population of marine mammals including migratory whales and dolphins, numerous species of shark, sea turtles and numerous fish species. Studies conducted by the St. Maarten Nature Foundation have shown that biodiversity in this area, particularly coral reef density, is high and the economic goods and services which the ecosystem provides are in excess of fifty million dollars annually. The establishing of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park is also in accordance with the Specially Protected Areas of Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol and with the Federal Decree on Maritime Management.
Previous plans to develop a Marine Park for St. Maarten were too complex by design which led to discontent with various stakeholders, especially fishermen who saw their traditional fishing grounds being encroached upon. The draft ordinance also clashed with the Minister's responsibilities for ensuring safe waterways and anchorages. Through various consultations and meetings between the various stakeholders it was decided to implement Marine Conservation on St. Maarten in stages, of which the establishment of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park is the first and most important step.
"We have been working very hard for very long to realize Marine Environmental Protection for St. Maarten, and now, with the hard work and guidance of especially Mr. Mike Stamm of the Department of Civil Aviation, Shipping and Maritime Affairs and through the appointment of the Honorable Minister Myers, Country St. Maarten has its first National Park, a protected area which will not only seek to protect natural marine habitat but which will also enhance St. Maarten as an environmentally sustainable tourism product", commented Nature Foundation Marine Park Manager Tadzio Bervoets.
The biodiversity of St. Maarten waters has been steadily degrading over the last four decades. The "eleventh hour" so to speak, has come and gone. The man of War Shoal Marine Park also has significant economic importance as diving in Marine Parks is globally on the rise and generally accepted by the diving tourist as a "must do" vacation activity. With proper protection and management in place the establishing of a Marine Protected Area will increase the St. Maarten Tourism Product. Local fisheries will also be enhanced through environmental protection. Research has shown that Marine Protected Areas increase fish populations and fish size of commercial species in nearby fishing grounds.
As mentioned the Man of War Shoal Marine Park also includes Proselyte Reef, which was named after the HMS Proselyte, a 32 gun frigate which struck the "man of War Shoal" on September 4th 1801. Artifacts such as large anchors, cannons, barrel hoops, cannon balls, and pottery are still evident on this popular St. Maarten Dive site. The site is also considered a Marine Archeological treasure.
Efforts to establish a Marine Protected area for St. Maarten were started by the Nature Foundation upon its founding in 1997. After a considerable length of time during which numerous stakeholder consultations, meetings and deliberations were held this important first step has been taken by the government of new country St. Maarten. The Nature Foundation would like to acknowledge the help and support of the Honorable Minister Franklin Myers, Mr. Miguel de Weever, Mr. Lou Halley, Mr. Mike Stamm, Mr. Eddy Johnson, the VROMI Department, Ms. Olivia Lake, the late Mr. Joseph Vliegen, the late Mrs. Marjolijn Richardson, Andy Caballero, Paul Ellinger, Beverly Nisbeth, Robbie Cijntje, current Board Members and of course the dedicated staff of the St. Maarten Nature Foundation. The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) has been a continuous source of support and a resourceful partner of the St. Maarten Nature Foundation and has contributed greatly towards the realization of Nature Conservation in general and Marine Conservation more specifically for the island. In the coming weeks the St. Maarten Nature Foundation will launch a broad based information campaign explaining to the citizens of St. Maarten about their newly established Man of War Shoal Marine Park.

...

Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) is urging all persons interested in taking part in Carnival 2011 to register as soon as possible. The SCDF has instituted a registration deadline of Monday January 31 for all aspects and events of Carnival, including booth holders.
President of the SCDF Stuart Johnson stressed that registration will not be extended past January 31, "so we are urging everyone to register post haste," he said. "We opened registration in November 2010 and cannot go past the end of January. Early registration allows for early preparations," he added.
Booth holders in particular should register on time. "We have a good number of booth holders already registered, but those persons who have had booths in the past must understand that if they do not register, their booth will be awarded to someone else. The list of new booth holders is very long, so to avoid any misunderstandings, booth holders should register," Johnson said.
The SCDF is also hoping to see registration for the Junior Shows and Senior Queen Pageant pickup. "We have interest in all. People have a tendency of waiting until the very last minute to register. We are hoping this trend is broken this year."
Registration forms can be picked up at the security post inside of the Government Administration Building. The forms can also be emailed to interested persons if they are requested via the SCDF's email address at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) met with Minister of Tourism Franklin Meyers on Tuesday to discuss a number of issues but specifically focused on a new structure of subsidy allotment for the SCDF. The foundation was represented by President Stuart Johnson and Secretary Michael Granger.
These discussions on a new structure, which will include Culture Minister Rhoda Arrindell, are in the early stages so details cannot be divulged at this point in time. Johnson stressed however, it is in the best interest for the further development of Carnival.
The foundation also apprised the Minister on the progress thus far in preparing for Carnival 2011. It was explained to the Minister that regulating SCDF's finances is something that is of utmost priority for the foundation, in particular with paying prizes to stakeholders.
"The Minister instructed us to continue working on getting the financial report completed, submit that to government in order to have the outstanding subsidy released," Johnson said. "We will continue the discussions about a new structure in the weeks ahead. The Minister was very open and to the point with us and we appreciated the time he dedicated to informing us on his plan forward with regard to Carnival," Johnson added.
Johnson said Minister Meyers said the position of government is that SCDF is the recognized organizing body of Carnival and as such government will do its part to support the foundation and Carnival which can be utilized as a marketing tool that benefits the island across the board.
"We are pleased to know that we have his support and the support of Minister Arrindell who is keen on enhancing our culture in Carnival. We will also be meeting with Minister Arrindell in the near future," Johnson concluded.

Philipsburg:--- The suspect in the Belvedere stabbing that left Otmar Leonard dead on July 14 last year was set free on Monday by the court of First Instance. The prosecution demanded 10 years for Isidora but the judge was not convinced by the evidence provided by the prosecution.
The presiding judge rules that the there was insufficient evidence to determine who exactly the knife belonged to. Isidoria in his statement said he acted in self defense when the deceased attacked him. The judge said the statement by the suspect was not so implausible and neither does the evidence provided contradict the statement.
However, Isidora was sentenced to four (4) months for threatening the mother and brother of the deceased, time which he already spent behind bars as Isidora was behind bars for seven months.
The main suspect Ackeem Isidora (17) was represented by former prosecutor and defense lawyer Cor Merx. Merx said his client regrets very much the outcome of the incident but he was not the attacker in this case. In the meantime, the prosecution has already submitted an appeal to the courts.

Great Bay (GIS):--- Under the theme, "Let the Nation Praise Him," the 6th Annual National Day of Prayer will be held on Sunday, January 9, in front of the Government Administration Building.

The Sint Maarten/Saint Martin Council of Churches, St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation, Seventh Day Adventist Community and the Department of Culture hereby encourage the general public to participate in the National Day of Prayer to intercede for St. Martin's leaders and the entire population as we start a new year.

The ecumenical service will begin at 4:30pm with Praise and Worship led by the Seventh Day Adventist Music Team.
The Order of Service includes words of exhortation by Rev. Stephane Brooks of the St. Maarten Council of Churches, Pastor Royston Philbert of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and Pastor Wycliffe Smith of the St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation.
Intercessory prayers will be offered by Apostle E. Allen, while Apostle Rosmond Romney will deliver the sermonette. Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams will address the assembly of worshipers on behalf of government.
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the second Sunday of January, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation.
It was decreed in 2005 by an Executive Council resolution of the then Island Territory of Sint Maarten, and became part and parcel of the annual cultural calendar of program and activities of the nation.
The National Day of Prayer Committee's mission is to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for St. Martin and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Law enforcement, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family.
In accordance with Biblical truth, the National Day of Prayer Committee seeks to:

• Foster unity within the Christian Church
• Protect St. Martin's Constitutional Freedoms to gather, worship, pray and speak freely.
• Publicize and preserve St. Martin's Christian heritage
• Encourage and emphasize prayer, regardless of current issues and positions
• Respect all people, regardless of denomination or creed
• Be wise stewards of God's resources and provision
• Glorify the Lord in word and deed

The committee is an extension arm of the Department of Culture whose purpose is to encourage "the understanding of the importance of cultural expression and diversity as essential elements of cultural development".

After a relatively brief lull in Lionfish activity the Nature Foundation is responding to increasing reports of Lionfish in local waters. A large specimen of 30 cm was caught on the wreck of the Fu-Sheng dive site outside of Cupecoy on Saturday at a depth of 90 ft by Nature Foundation staff and was immediately dissected while on Board the Marine Park Patrol Vessel Yellowtail. Nature Foundation Chief Ranger Etienne Lake brought the captured specimen to the surface and it was decided to immediately dissect the specimen in order to determine what it has been eating. A juvenile Yellowtail Snapper was recorded in a pre-digested state. This reinforces the concern that Lionfish are a significant threat to juvenile fish species in St. Maarten territorial waters. Lionfish are an invasive species that were introduced into the Caribbean in the early nineteen nineties through the aquarium trade and have invaded the marine ecosystem ever since. The fish poses a threat to local coral reef fish as local species have not adapted to protect themselves from this voracious predator. Lionfish also possess numerous venomous spines that can inflict a dangerous and harmful sting in humans. The Nature Foundation is continuously catching and responding to reports of Lionfish in local waters.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Economic & Tourism Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunications Franklin Meyers, would like to congratulate Valya Pantophlet (25) who was promoted to Executive Director of the Sint Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) as of January 3.

The SHTA announced this to the media last week.

Pantophlet started working with the SHTA in 2007 as a Junior Project Manager. The SHTA also honoured the young lady at the last Crystal Pineapple Awards where she was recognized for her hard work at the tourism sector organization.

"We like to see young people move up the ladder. When a young person completes their studies at college or university, and they start working, they set goals for themselves where they would like to be in a few years.

"I'am sure Valya Pantophlet has now achieved that goal for the New Year and is now looking forward to additional challenges in her new position. I would like to wish her much success and encourage her to continue reaching for the stars.

"Valya is also a role model to other young people and with determination and goals in mind, you can achieve anything once given the opportunity," Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Franklin Meyers pointed out.

Philipsburg:--- The court of First Instance has ruled in favor of Dr. Michel Petit on Monday said attorney at law Jairo Bloem on Tuesday. The St. Maarten Medical Center filed an injunction against Dr. Petit claiming that his patient's files belonged to the medical institution where Dr. Petit practiced for a number of years. According to Bloem, the Director of the St. Maarten Medical Center was fully aware that Dr. Petit was leaving the St. Maarten Medical Center on December 31 and they did not request his patient's files.
Bloem said Dr. Petit consulted with all his patients prior to his retirement and offered them their files. Some of the patients took their files while there are others who did not want the files. Those persons who did not want their files back had them turned over to Dr. Randall Friday from the Women's Health who is also a gynecologist at the St. Maarten Medical Center. Bloem said Dr. Petit will be working as a consultant with Dr. Friday and as such he is able to offer advice to Dr. Friday for the patients he treated. During his years of practice Dr. Petit rented an office space at the St. Maarten Medical Center which he occupied until he retired on December 15th 2010.
The court ruled that Dr. Petit as the treating physician was within his rights to turn these files over to his successor, Dr. Friday. The SMMC demand was therefore rejected by the court, and was ordered to pay Dr. Petit's legal expenses to the tune of Naf. 1500.

Court Verdict of SMMC against Dr. Petit.

Philipsburg:--- On Sunday January 9th at approximately 06:30 pm an armed robbery took place on the Alexis Arnell road. The victim in this case, was a man with initials G.D. from France. He stated that while taking pictures on that road he was attacked by a group of about four men who were passing in a car. One of the men was armed with a gun and threatened to use it on him if he did not cooperate. This man demanded money from the victim.
At the same time his backpack, sunglasses, leather wallet containing 60,00 Euros and camera with lenses were taken away from him. He was then pushed into the bushes. The suspects jumped back into their car and left the scene.

Philipsburg:--- Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger for the first time attended the weekly press briefings to answer questions that members of the media may have regarding his portfolios. When asked by SMN News about the Pelican saga involving MP James, Heyliger said there is nothing in the law to remove the MP from his position even if there is some level of conflict of interest. The UP leader said he has no intention to ask his candidate to step down from his position. Furthermore, he said the MP can take part in any debate even if it involves him but voting on the subject would be another thing.
VROM --- Claudius Buncamper and Land Scandal.
SMN News also asked the deputy Prime Minister who is in charge of Public Works if he has taken a decision regarding the husband of former Minister Maria Buncamper Molanus who was also implicated in the sale of the long lease of government leased land. Heyliger said at this point he does not think the sector head of VROM has done anything wrong based on the current regulations. Heyliger said unless the public prosecutor initiates a case against Buncamper then the senior civil servant will continue working. Asked what advice the SOAB gave government when they investigated VROM/ROB, Heyliger said unless SOAB can provide concrete evidence of wrong doing he is not able to take their advice. He further explained that the report was sent all over the world and nothing came out of it. He said the SOAB report said there needs to be more checks and balances and this something they agreed upon with the Dutch Government.
Heyliger said one of the first initiatives he took when he became Minister was to sit with his secretary general to upgrade the department with more staff. Heyliger said the department of VROM is highly understaffed.
GEBE Concession saga regarding cross subsidies.
Heyliger also addressed the ongoing discussion with GEBE and Saba and Statia and his stance on spending St. Maarten's money on cross subsidies to those islands.

Philipsburg:--- The adhoc committee meeting which was scheduled on Friday for members of the committee to discuss the Kingdom Deficit Report had to be canceled until further notice. SMN News learnt that the adhoc committee chaired by Member of Parliament Roy Marlin agreed to invite the author of the report Mavis Brooks Solomon who is now the chairperson for the council of advice as well as attorney at law Ralph Richardson to shed light on the 60-page report. Members of the committee are Johan Janchi Leonard, William Marlin, Roy Marlin, and Patrick Illidge.
According to one of the committee members, when they showed up at the parliament building for the meeting they learnt that the griffier of parliament Franklyn Hanze and the chairperson of the committee Roy Marlin forgot to invite Brooks-Solomon, therefore the meeting had to be cancelled.
Brooks-Solomon then representative of the Netherlands Antilles along with two other persons from the Netherlands compiled the report in 2009.
The constant blunders and unnecessary mistakes coming from parliament are beginning to frustrate several parliamentarians who said that they are completely disappointed with Arrindell's performance. They said they were of the opinion that Arrindell could have handled the job she was given by the United Peoples Party since she Arrindell claimed to have a doctorate in political science.
Furthermore, residents, civil servants as well as the elected officials are angry at the entire parliament of St. Maarten who hired Franklyn Hanze as griffier. One highly qualified civil servant told SMN News that Hanze is not working for the people's money. He is paid close to Naf 40,000.00 per month for making more blunders and to ill advice the chairlady of parliament whom they said has to be spoon fed.

The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) will host its second meeting for booth holders and calypsonians upcoming Wednesday, January 19 at the Government Administration Building. The meeting for the calypsonians will start at 6:00pm followed by the booth holders at 7:00pm.
The foundation met with both groups two weeks ago to discuss Carnival 2011 and the possibility of fee/prize restructuring. The SCDF noted that in a financially difficult year, decisions that are in the best interest of Carnival in general must be taken.
However, President of the SCDF Stuart Johnson said it was important to include the opinion of all stakeholders in the decision making process. "We all love Carnival. All of us realize that Carnival is bigger than us. As the foundation with the responsibility of executing Carnival, we have to always keep the bigger picture in mind, not just each specific show. We don't have that luxury, we have to ensure that Carnival in general is financially sound," Johnson said.
He added that difficult times sometimes dictate changes. "Two weeks ago we listened to all stakeholders and we have taken some decisions, again, with the best interest of Carnival in mind first and foremost. We will apprise the calypsonians and booth holders of these decisions in the meeting on Wednesday and urge them all to make the effort and be present," Johnson concluded.

Philipsburg:--- Three female cashiers from the Le Grand Marche Supermarket in Cupe Coy were arrested some days ago on embezzlement charges. Since the women were arrested, the police have been tight-lipped on the arrest and ongoing investigation.
Press Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed on Wednesday the women have been charged with embezzling thousands of dollars from the company. Mud said one of the suspects was released by the judge of instruction while the other two remain in custody as the investigation continues.

Pelican: --- Workers of the Pelican Resort are yet to ratify the agreement their union the WIFOL signed on their behalf close to midnight on Wednesday with Royal Resorts CEO Richard Corso. The agreement was signed when Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger and Minister of Tourism Franklyn Meyers engaged in the negotiations with the President of the WIFOL Theophilus Thompson without the presence of his legal advisor Bonita Hart.

The workers were made aware of the signed agreement on Thursday morning via newspaper publications instead of being informed by their union representative Theophilus Thompson. The revelation of the signed agreement created a commotion at the Pelican Resort early Thursday morning as the workers gathered at their place of employment demanding that they be informed. During that meeting, Thompson told the workers that WIFOL's legal representative Bonita Hart involved in the negotiations which led to the signed agreement, that statement was later disputed by Hart who said she was not invited to Wednesday's meeting. Hart further informed the workers and membership of WIFOL that when she was asked for her advice on the agreement Thompson was asked to sign, she advised him not to sign the document. Thompson then told the workers that even though Hart was the union's legal counsel he did not have to follow her advice all the time. He also made clear that he has other advisors which are not known to the membership.

According to Thompson, the agreement he signed has guaranteed indefinite work for 145 workers while 35 of them would be fired. He said while the agreement is not yet ratified and at least one more signature is needed for the agreement to become binding, the company has to follow all legal procedures laid down by the labour law for any type of mass termination.

This revelation caused great commotion at the Pelican Resort causing the workers to accuse Thompson of selling them out. They also threatened to fire the WIFOL and to take their membership to another union who is ready to represent them. The workers asked Thompson to provide them with the signed agreement so they could have come to a consensus on the document but Thompson said he did not have the document with him and did not feel it was necessary to ask management for a copy to qualm the feelings of his membership.
The workers also asked Thompson to tell them if management of Royal Resorts or the new management companies had already identified which of the 35 workers were facing termination and that too he said he did not have. Thompson also denied the workers permission to attend the scheduled central committee meeting called on Thursday to discuss the Pelican saga which has been widely reported in the media. The unionist said he has the power of attorney to represent and sign on behalf of the workers and their presence in parliament was not warranted.

A meeting was scheduled to be held with the workers at the head office of the WIFOL where the agreement would have been presented on Thursday night but that meeting had to be canceled as Thompson was in parliament answering questions from the legislators pertaining to the signed agreement. Another meeting is expected to be held on Friday night when the agreement that was signed will be presented to the workers.

Great Bay:--- A total of 14 new teachers on Tuesday, January 18th, received their certificates as "leaders" in the Active Parenting programs which are geared towards helping parents to deal with the challenges of parenting in today's society.
Twelve new teachers were certified in "Active Parenting Now in 3" in the FBE schools, while two Sundial School teachers received their certificates in the "Active Parenting of Teens" in the VSBO schools. Of the new FBE leaders, eleven (11) are from the Hillside Christian schools who were trained by the trainers from that school and 1 FBE leader from the Public schools who is the only certified leader for the program in the Spanish language.
Initially, the idea was to train only Student Care Coordinators and Social workers in all schools to conduct the workshops with the parents. It was later decided to train additional persons (teachers as well as parents) to become leaders to facilitate more parents during the workshops and to safeguard the success of this program in all schools. At the moment each school has at least 2 leaders.
With effect from February 2011, all school boards will ensure that at least 2 new leaders will be trained in each school. By doing this schools would be making sure this important program will continue.
Besides the basic program in the FBE schools, the Department for Educational Research, Planning and Innovations (DERPI) has also ordered additional materials as a support to parental guidance.
These are (9) DVD's that can be used in small groups or with parents who need encouragement in these areas. The DVD's will be officially handed over to the school board representatives during the small ceremony for the certification of the Leaders.
The topics on these DVD's include: "Bonding with your Baby"; "Education starts at home"; "Wise words on Discipline" and "Fathers Matters". Others are: "Encouraging Positive Activities"; "Single Parenting"; "Marriage"; "Foster Parenting" and "Grandparents as Parents".
DERPI hereby invites and encourages all parents to make use of the opportunity to attend the workshops in the school s as part of the Innovation in Education project financed by USONA through the Dutch Development Agency.

...

Philipsburg:--- Early Friday morning at approximately 03:40 am police patrols were directed to a home on Gladiola road to investigate a case in which lady was shot. On their way to the scene the patrols learnt that the victim had already been transported by private vehicle to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for medical treatment and that no one would be at the crime scene. At the St Maarten Medical Center one of the investigating patrols spoke to the brother of the victim with the initials L.M. who told police that while in his home he was unexpectedly attacked by a man with a gun his hand. The suspect threatened to use the gun. He however ran into his bedroom get something to defend himself against this suspect. While is his room he heard a gunshot go off. He headed towards his sisters bedroom and he could see the suspect running away. He noticed that his sister with the initials N.V.M. was lying on the floor and that she was shot in her upper right arm. At the hospital, police were told that the victim was seriously injured and she had to be admitted to hospital for observation and further treatment. The Special Robbery Unit, Detective Department and Forensic Department are investigating this case to determine why this incident took place and who is responsible for this shooting.

In an unrelated case a man was stabbed during a robbery. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said on Thursday January 20th at approximately 03:00am a police patrol from the Philipsburg Division was directed to the St. Maarten Medical Center where a man was brought in to receive medical treatment for a stab wound to his stomach. At the hospital, the patrol spoke to the victim identified as R.K. who stated that he was attacked and robbed by three men at home on the O'Nasha Jones street. The victim further stated that during the robbery he resisted heavily against the robbers at which time one of robbers stabbed him in his stomach with a pointed object. After being stabbed he ran out of his house seeking help at the neighbour's home, at which time the robbers fled the scene. The victim was treated at the hospital for his wound and admitted for observation. The Special Robbery unit and Forensic Department are busy investigating this matter.

Oyster Pond:--- An early morning accident between a motorcycle, a jeep and a car has left the 22 year old rider of the motor cycle dead. The victim has been identified as Mamboute Mitchel of Dutch Quarter.

Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the police traffic department had a busy weekend, the most serious accident he said occurred early Sunday morning at approximately 06:30am on the New Oyster pond road. On the scene the investigating officers encountered a very serious accident between a motorcycle with license plate 766ZAQ971 and a gray Daihatsu Jeep.

The motorcycle rider who was seriously injured was lying on the side of street after the impact. According to witnesses, the victim and the rider of another motorcycle were riding at very high speed coming from the direction of Border Bar towards Bishop Hill road. At the section of road where the accident took place they were overtaking a black Hyundai Getz heading in the same direction. However, while overtaking this car the motorcycle riders did notice the oncoming traffic which was the gray Daihatsu jeep.
A head-on collision between one of the motorcycles and the jeep took place with the victim landing on the street. The driver of the black car could not stop the car in time and accidentally drove over both legs of the victim fracturing both of them. The paramedics treated the victim by the name of Mabouto Mitchell, 22 years of age on the scene and then rushed him to the hospital where he died shortly after. The police traffic department and Forensic department are investigating to determine exactly what happened.

The Police traffic department is requesting the rider of the other motorcycle who was present at the time of this fatal accident to report to the Traffic department, to give a statement with regard what exactly happened to bring some clarity to this case.

In an unrelated case, the police traffic department responded at the Princess Juliana International Airport on Saturday afternoon where two persons were injured and had to be attended to by paramedics. One of the victims has been identified as a D.W. from the U.S. who got accidentally squeezed between two taxis and suffered a cut above his left eye and complained of severe pain in his left leg. He was transported by ambulance to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for treatment and was admitted for further treatment and observation.

Taxi Driver Mistreated by Gypsy driver.

On Sunday January 23rd at approximately 03:50am, a police patrol was sent to the Sint Maarten Medical Center to investigate a case of ill treatment. At the medical institution, the patrol spoke to the victim, a taxi driver, with the initials O.H. who stated that earlier while in the vicinity of BLISS, he had verbal confrontation with the “gypsy taxi driver” about the transporting of a tourist. The situation escalated and a fight broke out between them. During the fight he suffered three stab wounds to his stomach and several cuts to both hands. The victim stated that he was possibly stabbed with a knife. After the incident the “gypsy driver” drove away in his car. The victim drove himself to the Sint Maarten Medical Center to get medical treatment. The Detectives also arrived at the hospital and started an investigation into this case.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell would like to announce publicly that the Central Committee of Parliament will be meeting twice in public session on Monday, January 24 and Tuesday, January 25.

On Monday, January 24 the Central Committee of Parliament will meet at 3.00pm in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall in the Government Administration Building regarding the Office of the Ombudsman. This agenda point was part of the meeting held last week Tuesday which had the Pelican Resort issue as agenda point one. The meeting on Monday is the continuation on the second agenda point.

Members of Parliament (MPs) will discuss the formation plan of the Office of the Ombudsman as well as the various allowances of the aforementioned office.

On Tuesday, January 25, the Central Committee of Parliament will meet at 9.00am in the general parliament chamber located in the new parliament building on Front Street.

Professor H. de Doelder will give a presentation about the Criminal Code under the subject "extraordinary investigation methods" for law enforcement organizations. This information session will provide very useful information to MPs and the latter will also be able to seek clarity on certain aspects of the law before it goes before parliament in a few weeks.

There are four parliamentary factions that have representation in the Parliament of Sint Maarten, the United Peoples party (UP), Democratic Party (DP), Independent Member of Parliament Patrick Illidge and the National Alliance (NA).

Philipsburg:--- Nation building is one of the many things that NAGICO Insurances prides itself in and that includes giving young people the opportunity to be part of the working force.

Neil Gursahani, a student of the St. Dominic High School is currently on a one-week job training at NAGICO and is ecstatic that he was given the opportunity to join such a prestigious company.
"I plan on entering the Information Technology field and I was very happy when I was chosen to come to join the I.T department of NAGICO," he said. "I do believe that this will give me the chance to obtain some good job experience and I am grateful for the opportunity."

The purpose of the internship is to allow students to explore the working world in the career path they have chosen and also to give them firsthand knowledge on how to conduct themselves professionally. Each year, NAGICO partners with various schools on the island allowing several students to do their job training in fields that are similar or pertinent to the profession they choose.

NAGICO Insurances Executive Director in charge of IT, Vincent Haakmat welcomed Gursahani to his team and encouraged him to make the best of this opportunity and to feel free to seek assistance from any of the skilled professionals working in the department.

Philipsburg:--- A host of civil servants from all sections of government gathered at the WIFOL building on Monday night to discuss measures they intend to take with their unions against government for splitting their cost of living allowance and indexation.
The civil servants who are represented by the Windward Islands Civil Servants Unions (WICSU/PSU) and the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) agreed unanimously to send a resolution to government informing them that they have 24 hours to respond to the decision taken by the union and its members which states that government must pay the civil servants as well as teachers on St. Maarten the balance of their cost of living allowance along with interest in their February 2011 pay-cheque. Government, mainly the Minister of Finance has until Tuesday 8:26pm to respond to the resolution that was sent to him by email. Should the Minister not respond to the demand of the unions and their members, the WITU/WICSC/PSU will be calling their members to another meeting on Wednesday morning.
The civil servants said government did not consult with their workers neither the unions when they decided to abandon the policy of 24 August 2010 which states that civil servants and teachers would receive their 5% cost of living allowance and indexation in January 2011. The former executive council received the advice from the heads of personnel affairs and they agreed at the time to respect the advice.
The civil servants also expressed anger at the letter Finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto sent to the union and the fact they were not informed about being paid late in January. Shigemoto informed the unions that the council of Ministers has taken a decision in December 2010 to pay 2% of the cost of living allowance in 2011 and the other 3% would be paid in 2012. The civil servants also expressed anger at the fact that while government is fully aware that the civil servants including police officers were meeting with their unions they did not show any interest in trying appease their concerns. Thus they said government must be treated the same way.
The civil servants said that it is customary for them to receive their January salary by the 22nd of the month but this month they were not paid on time. Interestingly the disgruntled workers said they only received 2% of the cost of living adjustments which is against the advice given to the former executive council by personnel affairs.

Souls Champion Promotions in collaboration with Victorious Living Foundation and its youth wing Y2X, cordially invites one and all to an inspiring youth motivational talk on Friday February 11th, 7 p.m. at the Philipsburg Methodist Church, featuring regional Gospel Artist, Quincy Richardson AKA "Que." Then on Saturday February 12th, Que launches his energetic, and soul-stirring cd, "New Life" also at the Philipsburg Methodist Church at 7 p.m. with guest artists Barry Reid of Barbados, the Harmonics Band of St. Maarten and more. Remember, both events are FREE of cost. Cds and snacks will be on sale. For further details call Victorious Living/Y2X at 542-2663/520-3680/524-8731/522-2084 or visit them at www.victoriouslivingsxm.org.

Philipsburg:--- During the past week the public was surprised to learn via radio interviews and the weekly press briefing by the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan that two important changes had been "orally" made to the BTA process. While the Minister is saying he did not change the policy of the Brooks Tower Accord and that he gave oral instructions which is equal to any policy to the BTA team. This assessment made by SMN News based on the Minister's statements all of which is on the record is to serve for clarity. The Minister chided the media for irresponsible journalism while purposely insults the intelligence of the people of this great nation.
During a radio interview with Lloyd Richardson last Sunday the Minister of Justice stated that " he had verbally instructed his staff to accept applications from persons who had been on the island before December 31, 2001 for people who were somehow still living on the island illegally Minister Duncan said it made no sense to tell those persons they were qualified, but that they could not apply or they were late. What Minister Duncan did not realize is that those very people had the opportunity last year to apply if they were interested in legalizing themselves. Minister Duncan also made the same statements to SMN News when we interviewed him on Sunday.
On Wednesday during the Council of Ministers press briefing the public was again surprised with another change in the BTA process. The minister said that another of his "oral policies" pertaining to the BTA process was to allow persons to be able to testify about the identity of others." In the past this was not allowed he said. Minister Duncan made clear oral testimony is acceptable in the Dutch law. Minister Duncan did not think these changes needed to be put in writing, you see he is now a Minister and he does not need the approval of the council to say what other people must do in processing the BTA applications.
The Minister did not indicate who he had given these instructions to, or when the instructions were given. Neither did he say if the instructions changes by the day.
Another matter was just how many of these oral instructions were given as on two separate occasions he revealed new "oral instructions". As it is customary that policies are intended for the general public the question then arises how are those for whom these instructions were intended supposed to know that these important changes had taken place? By allowing persons who had been here before December 31, 2001 (category I) to apply for the first time, the Minister had opened a second grace period, which a judge said last week was not legal. Minister Duncan even had the audacity to say people don't need the BTA to apply for residency for St. Maarten. He said if people had money to show they can sustain themselves on the island then they can apply for a residency permit. What the Minister has to tell us, why he reopened or granted another extension for the BTA 11.
It must be made clear that the BTA 11 process was only for renewals only. By allowing people to suddenly apply for the first time therefore creates a new grace period. These people were on the island illegally because they had failed to apply as category I before December 31, 2009 when the BTA process under then Minister of Justice Magaly Jacoba had ended.
However, they were suddenly granted the opportunity to apply for the first time and at what cost will be revealed in the ongoing investigation. What we know so far is four people are behind bars, one of them a civil servant who worked with four Lt. Governors. The irresponsible behaviour of the Minister has created an opportunity for more corruption while several families are suffering including that of a 92-year old woman whose daughter is in police custody.
The oral instruction given by Minister Duncan means that two processes were running at the same time; people were extending their BTA permits, and a new process had been opened for those who had never had a BTA permit to apply for one. If category I individuals were granted a new grace period, what was the logic of not granting category II (those arrived between 2002 to 2005) the same opportunity? In other words, open a new grace period for both categories. Now the minister may say he did not open a new grace period, but what else can it be if he gave oral instructions to allow people who were living on the island without a residence permit that is illegal, to apply for the first time in December 2010? Several person who are known for filing documents said they were filling up forms for people who arrived on St. Maarten in 2010 and these forms were accepted.
The Minister's revelation that he had given instructions to allow persons to be able to testify about the "identity of others" was a real shocker to those who heard it for the first time. Why should someone have to testify about another person's identity? In applying for a residence permit one must submit a passport which fixes your identity. As a matter of fact, without a passport a resident permit cannot be obtained! Why someone should have to attest to your identity makes no sense. That is what your passport if for yet the Minister said he did not change anything in the BTA process therefore there is no need for a policy or Ministerial decree. Insulting ones intelligence at best as can be but not the smart thing to do Minister.
If he meant that one could testify about another person's presence on the island, then that opens another can of worms. In the past this was disallowed because of widespread abuse. People were paying others to go with them to the notary's office to give sworn statements to the effect that they knew that someone had been living on the island for many years, when often these were blatant lies. Many persons paid to say they were concubines of others just like many men adopting children that are not theirs all of which has been abolished to some extent.
But most important, to implement this program of taking people's testimony a whole procedure must be put in place. First of all who is allowed to take this testimony? Can a husband testify on behalf of a wife, or parents on behalf of children? What must the person testifying present in order to confirm their bonafides? Must this testimony be in writing? and most importantly what measures are put in place to prevent abuse of this procedure as had happened in the past? This requires a carefully written procedure which can easily be 10 to 20 pages long. A simple verbal instruction just will not do as there are too many factors to be taken into account.
Then there is the matter of the many thousands of people who were told by the BTA staff they could apply for a BTA permit even if they arrived after 2005. Their applications were accepted and they were sent to the labour office where they paid their US$900 to have a working permit processed. The labour office apparently also believed that these people who arrives after 2005 were eligible and took their money. The BTA staff claim they were instructed to accept applications from people who came after 2005. The minster claims he did not change the date and therein lays the confusion caused of working by oral decrees. They are so easy to be denied. By not having a written policy in place, it left the door open for massive fraud and confusion. No one, including the BTA staff knew exactly what was going on. Now those people who came after 2005 and filed BTA request and paid their US$900 are left out in the cold. Thousands have been duped by the BTA staff that was operating without a policy manual and as a result, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been paid to various consultants and advisors and the labour office, all for nought.
But more shocking is the fact that many persons some of who have lived on the island for over 10 years are now illegal because their working permits were denied for one reason or another by the labour department. Several of these persons were referred to the BTA section to apply for their permits because many of them fall under the category 1 which would qualify them for a 3 year permit. The only baloney with these applications is that the BTA team who are now in shackles behind bars had nothing in writing to accept new application forms. Has the Minister's oral policy solve the calamity of the labour and residency permit is still left to be seen.
A clear written policy would have prevented the international disaster that St. Maarten now faces, and the opportunity to commit crimes.

Philipsburg: --- President of the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union William Reed informed members of the media on Friday that he was called to an emergency meeting on Friday to be informed by the Minister of Justice that the police and prison guards will not be paid until sometime next week.
Reed said the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan told him that the personnel of the finance department made some sort of mistake with the calculation which they are trying to correct. The unionist said the Minister asked him as the union representative of these workers to exercise patience with the lateness since this is the first time St. Maarten has occupied with the payment of federal workers.
Reed said based on experience, the Minister of finance Hiro Shigemoto is known to be stubborn. Reed said the unions have been experiencing problems with Shigemoto since when the island was an island territory. "Every time pay day comes around civil servants have a problem with their salaries." Reed said mistakes and other problems with the civil servants salaries have been going on for a long time now that it has become a culture from the department of finance head who is now the Minister of Finance. Reed said based on his assessment the culture of the finance department from the island territory has been carried over to country St. Maarten.
Reed made clear that this is the reason why the WICSU/PSU and its members are taking this stance and he assured that each time there are problems with the salaries of the civil servants, the unions will take action.

Philipsburg:--- Investigating and breaking down the Brooks Tower scandal has brought us to another chapter where it is possible for persons who applied for their first residence and labour permit to be refunded if the law is fully applied. Persons who applied for their first residence permit during the recent chaotic BTA extension process might be able to get back the US$900 they paid to the labour office to process their work permit.
The Minister of Justice Roland Duncan has publicly and vociferously denied changing the Brooks Tower Accord policy as far as the time limit is concerned. This means that anyone who arrived after 2005 simply cannot obtain a residence permit under the BTA. It is public knowledge however, that his staff accepted BTA applications for everyone, including people who arrived for the first time on St. Maarten in 2010. How this happened, and exactly who ordered his staff to do so, is difficult to ascertain as the Minister has publicly stated that he works by oral decree and it is difficult to pin down exactly what the Minister did say, unless one has him on tape.
At any rate, the labour policy of 2009 states clearly that first time applicants cannot obtain work permits for the following jobs. If you have one these jobs, you can get your work permit renewed, but the door is shut for first timers, meaning the former executive council has placed a moratorium on certain jobs. Jobs such as cleaner, dishwasher, car cleaner, chauffeur, helper, kitchen helper, busboy/girl, security guard, hairdresser, barber, store clerk, casino dealer, administrative worker, assistant bookkeeper, receptionist, telephonist, OPC, maintenance man, gardener.
Anyone who came after 2005 and applied for the first time during the recent BTA process for any of the jobs listed above cannot receive a work permit. The law prohibits the Minister of Labour from giving those permits. Therefore, the labour office acted against the law to accept money from people applying for the first time for any of the listed positions. Those who applied for those positions therefore can ask the labour office for a refund, based on the fact that they paid to process a work permit which the Minister of Labour is not allowed to grant. The minister of labour (at present Sarah Wescott-Williams) will have to cooperate with these individuals as her department has no legal basis for accepting money from first time applicants for the listed positions.
This also brings into question the issue of the renewal of the BTA permits. BTA category I permits are being renewed for three years, while category II is renewed for one year. To get a BTA category I and II permit one always need a work permit, but the law prohibits the Minister of Labour from granting an extension of your work permit after the third one. After the third BTA permit ( for which you will need three one year work permits), you will have to leave St. Maarten for one year before you can apply for a new work permit. The only exception to the three permit rule is for university graduates. This labour policy was put in place to protect the local labour market, so it is difficult to see why this law should be changed. This means that holders of BTA permits will have to leave St. Maarten after their third work permits expire. Any first time BTA applicant who obtains a work permit for any of the jobs on the excluded list shown above should be aware that those permits were issued in violation of the law, and that they cannot claim any rights based on these illegally issued work permits. In a state of law, even the Minister of Labour is bound by the law.
This apparent confusion comes about because the Minister of Justice who is responsible for residence permits has absolutely no say over work permits. Work permits are the sole responsibility of the Minister of Labour. The way they work together is that the Minister of Justice waits until the the Minister of Labour has granted a work permit, before he issues a residence permit. This is because the immigration law states that one must have a means of support in order to live on St. Maarten. Residence permits are therefore completely dependent on a work permit and if the Minister of Labour wants to protect the local labour market as is presently the case, then the Minister of Justice, as much as he would like to, cannot give someone a residence permit that does not have a work permit. If you are a person who has money or can prove that you don't need to work to support yourself you can also obtain a residence permit.
Some Pelican workers have complained about Mexican workers at Pelican. If any of them obtained a work permit for jobs on the excluded list after 2008 when the labour policy was published then that work permit is invalid. Pelican workers and their union should be vigilant against any first time permits for foreign workers on the excluded list as the law prohibits them from obtaining work permits.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of  Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Rhoda Arrindell told reporters at a press conference that her Ministry and the School Boards have come to a consensus to apply the ‘no work, no pay” strategy for teachers who do not show up to work.

The Minister said given the recent developments regarding the actions taken by the teachers’ union WITU and its membership, which has resulted in three days of children not being able to receive education, which is their basic right, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs wishes to hereby state as follows:

1.      The Ministry met with representatives of all school boards today, January 31, 2011, and the following decisions were unanimously adopted:

2.      All parties reaffirmed the principles of no work, no pay, and in this particular case, this takes effect, today, January 31, 2011.

3.      Students are supposed to be in school during school hours, in accordance with the law on Compulsory Education.

4.      According to ILO Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers, Article III.6, “Teaching should be regarded as a profession: it is a form of public service which requires of teachers expert knowledge and specialized skills, acquired and maintained through rigorous and continuing study; it calls also for a sense of personal and corporate responsibility for the education and welfare of the pupils in their charge.”

5.      This means that the rights of the children of St. Martin are being infringed upon by the teachers’ action to meet during school hours.

6.      The Ministry respects the rights of the teachers to assemble; however, this should not be to the detriment of the education of children or at the inconvenience of parents.

7.      The school boards informed the Ministry that they had not been notified by the union of the action to be taken by the teachers.

8.      The school boards expressed the opinion shared by the Ministry that industrial action should be used as a last resort, when all other forms of negotiations have been exhausted, rather than taking action on the spur of the moment, without any consultation with the Ministry, school boards, and other stakeholders.

9.      It was also decided that the days lost will be made up to the children before the end of the current school year.

10.  The Minister maintains her open-door policy and looks forward to continuing the dialogue between teachers and their representatives in the interest of the education of our children.

Philipsburg:--- Our culture, our language, the difference between culture and subculture and difference between an identity versus a nationality our language and the spirit of Saint-Martin were elaborated during the identity crusade Saturday, December 18th 2010.
The identity crusade is the first project launched by the association Pepper Pot since its inauguration of their TV program in April 2010 after evaluation of the event by attendees and internally has rated to be a success. Those who were unfortunate to miss out on this event or would like to hear the messages again, can now tune in on:

• Tuesdays from 8 to 9 pm on MSR Cable TV channel 9
• Live broadcast on La VOIX FM 101.5 from 8 to 9
• Saint-Martin Cable TV Dutch Saint-Martin channel 15 on Saturdays from 7 to 8 PM

As of Tuesdays 04th , the event will be rebroadcasted in 3 parts.
According to the President Fabrice Baly, Pepper Pot Projects within a vision has more in sequence. At the end of the month a hot debate is expected but before a tour on various radio stations will be offered. More detailed information will be forthcoming.
We would like to remind those who may have an inquiry on why we should call the series a "crusade " a crusade is a terminology use by churches outdoor events with an everlasting impact and at the end of the event none who have attended is the same, all are call to make a decision base on the information they have heard. We are unshakeable convinced of the very same for all those who will be there said the President.
We Pepper pot, extend our best wishes for 2011.
For more information about the crusade or Pepper pot in general an email can be send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or look on Facebook.

Marigot: --- The three hour radio program "Online" hosted by Fernando Clark is expected to resume on Tuesday next week on SOS radio 95.9 FM.
Online radio program has been on the air since March 2003 on PJD2 radio but was suddenly taken off the air in November 2010 by management of the radio station. Clark told SMN News that he will begin promotion for his show as of Wednesday 4th January so that his listeners would know that he will soon be back.

Philipsburg:--- On Thursday January 6th at approximately 10:50 am, a Philipsburg police patrol spotted the pink Daihatsu Charade with license plate P-5984 which recently was reported stolen driving on the crossing of Zagersgut road and Coralita road. At that time, the patrol could not determine how many persons were in the car or who the persons were in the car, because of the dark tinted windows. The police indicated to the driver of the car to stop however, instead of slowing down the driver increased his speed and drove into Tassel drive in an attempt to escape from the police. A high speed chase started on that same road towards Mary's Fancy hill. After several attempts to stop the car and seeing how dangerous and serious the situation had become two shots were fired by police at the tires of the car to force the driver to stop. The driver did not stop and continued fleeing from police. While driving up the hill the police noticed that the vehicle had stopped and that two unknown men jumped out of the car and took off running through the bushes. Several police patrols who were sent to assist started searching the area for the suspects. Shortly after both suspects were arrested. They were both taken to the Philipsburg police station and handed over to the Detective Department for further investigation.The investigation done on the car showed that one of the shots penetrated the gas tank causing all the fuel to leak out. During a search of the area several tools such as a crowbar, gloves and screwdrivers, which are used to commit break ins were found and confiscated. The investigation is ongoing.

The Philipsburg Jubilee Library  would like to wish all a Prosperous New Year filled with reading fun.

We are proud to announce the  continuation  of our story time for babies and toddlers.

Children of ages 0 - 4 are welcome on  every 2nd Thursdays at 6 pm (sharp!) until 7 pm, to listen to stories, and do activities afterwards, such as: singing, playing a game, or doing crafts or coloring with teacher Gini van Duivenvoorde.

Children of ages 0 to 4 are expected to come with their parent, Story telling takes place in Baby and Toddler Fantasy room that was specially made with all babies and toddlers in mind.

The storytelling  is organized by the library in connection with Bookstart St. Maarten: “ Read to me”  which encourage parents to start at the very beginning with the love of books in mind. Participating children are invited to become members of the library, subscription is free of charge, when registering please inquire about  your baby/ Toddler gift bag.

Below are the dates throughout 2011:

13^th January                         2011

10^th February                       2011

10^th March                           2011

14^th April                             2011

12^th May                             2011

09^th June                             2011

14^th July                              2011

11^th August                         2011

08^th September                    2011

13^th October                        2011

10^th November                     2011

08^th December                     2011

Enjoy a reading  New Year.

Philipsburg:--- Mr. Neville Mars, an employee of the Great Bay Hotel for 19 years, was handed a dismissal letter, due to the fact that he refused to shake the hand of the General Manager of the hotel.
We urge or readers to listen to the interview that was provided to us by 98.1 FM Pearl Studio.

The year 2010 has gone and with it, it’s first ten years. 2011 is here and we have made it by the grace of God. 2011 is what we may call a two legged year – 11 as the two legs. For us humans, two legs is a sign of stability, balance and also mobility.

 

• Let us determine during 2011 to be stable in our faith,, in our values, our convictions and in the principles we live by so that transparency, tolerance, and sincerity may triumph. In short, may confidence be the underlying word that fosters development, growth and the creation of riches and value in our community.
• In 2011, let us determine, together to be balanced in our judgments, in the choices we make and in every decision we take so that wisdom may triumph, quietness, in short may peace and harmony be the underlying words that strengthen our “living together”.
• In 2011, let us remain mobile, active, forward going with the firm intention of rekindling confidence, peace and harmony. Let us remain strong as a people, let us aim to be better citizens and together, as a people, reach for the highest goal; May 2011 be a proactive year! In short « let’s turn things around ».

 

Our wishes are indeed a call to action, a call to bring about change, a call for better days.

2010 has once more proven RASSEMBLEMENT – RESPONSABILITE – REUSSITE, our political group to be right. Our analysis were correct, our warnings and the proposals we made were all on point.

 

1-      In 2010 the image and the credibility of the COM of St-Martin once again were seriously tarnished because of the intrigues, the internal quarrels and the “killer game” played by the members of the ex-majority. Both the failure and the forfeiture which followed have had negative implications on outside organizations such as the SEMSAMAR

2-      The reality, the scope and gravity of the financial problems which we have denounced since the end of the year 2008 are now admitted and recognized. Our remarks such as “misleading budgets”, “insincere budgets”, “alarming financial situation” of the COM, are now familiar to most of you. By the end of the year 2010 it is thanks to the consumption of a 10 millions line of treasury, the obtaining and doubtlessly the consumption of 7,5 millions in advance treasury received from Central government in Paris and approximately more than 10 million debts (in the form of advances on works and other services) from the SEMSAMAR, (on the whole more than 27,5 millions of Euros), that our Community has been able to honor its main obligations and this in spite of an asserted 25 to 30% decrease of the expenditure stated in the 2010 budget.

3-      We militated, made recommendations and convinced the ex-majority to join our positions and to adopt our posture as for the discussions, negotiations and battles to be carried out with the State and its services. As a reminder, we have never ceased to ask for the convention of means with the tax services of the State to be denounced and renegotiated so as to include conditions regarding the objectives, effectiveness and control. Moreover, we have managed to have the Executive council adopt on 13/01/2009 a deliberation authorizing the President to take all the actions including specifically seizing the court in order to do all that would obtain the respect and consideration of the financial interests of our Community vis-a-vis the State; within the framework of the negotiation of tax convention with the State, after having noted that our Community was about to lose the face, we wrote, presented and obtained the unanimous support of the entire Territorial Council on 24/06/2010. In 2010, finally - better late than never - discussions are initiated regarding the convention of means; more positive still an ultimate equitable relief - letter to the President of the Republic - was initiated during the last quarters of the year before a contentious action was initiated before the courts. Better still, our motion made it possible to tip the scales definitively in favor St-Martin, in the discussions on the tax convention with the State. The tax convention was signed the 21/12/2010, and should be ratified by the National parliament within the framework of an organic law during the 1st quarter 2011. St-Martin will now collect the income tax on non-fiscal residents stationed on its territory, in particular the State civil servants.

 

If only of those points 2010 has once more proven the RASSEMBLEMENT – RESPONSABILITE – REUSSITE which we are, to be right.

Nevertheless, it has not gone to our heads:

• It’s the expressions of trust, as the days go by, that more and more of you are witnessing to us as a group.
• It’s the hope you have in our team to keep up this good work and reinstate the right and credible image of our community through citizenship and political action.
• But it is also our hope in return, to some day earn your support to hold higher positions and lead this country St Martin,

that will continue to guide and motivate us throughout 2011.

We resolutely place this year 2011, under the sign of mobilization and action, but also consolidation and the conquest of confidence. Confidence in you, confidence in the unsuspected potentials of our territory, confidence in the resilience and the desire to bring about change in our people and in our youth in particular; confidence in our elders, they who are the memory and pillars of our human heritage and essential links for the transmission of the torch and the inheritance to our youth. 2011, “it is high time to rekindle the stars” (1); we thus like to declare “Together let's make it happen in two thousand eleven”.

Thus, let us make 2011 good, happy and prosperous for us all and for those who are dear to us. Let us find strength and comfort in the certainty that “the BEST OF ST-MARTIN AND the BEST FOR ST-MARTIN IS STILL YET TO COME”.

Happy new year to all.

Guillaume ARNELL              Noreen BROOKS                   Ramona CONNOR

Aline HANSON                     Alain RICHARDSON.

(1) citation from G. Apollinaire.

Philipsburg:--- The constitution of country St. Maarten has no provisions to reduce or deduct monies from the salaries of parliament who are holding full time jobs confirmed president of parliament Gracita Arrindell on Monday.
When asked by SMN News if parliament will seek to reduce MP Jules James salary since he is the Managing Director of the two new companies that will manage the Pelican Resort. Arrindell said that people should not try to amend the constitution of country St. Maarten since doing so would need a two third majority. Arrindell said if someone should pull one strand the entire institution would unravel.
Arrindell called a press conference on Monday to release the scheduled meetings parliament will be holding during the coming months. The president of parliament said while she was liberal in releasing the schedule to the media it still has to be approved by parliament.

Philipsburg:--- On Wednesday January 12th at 11:00 am, a meeting was held between the head of Immigration Chief Inspector G. Juliet, the Airport Immigration personnel and the Chief Commissioner of Police Mr. Peter de Witte and Commissioner Carl John.
This meeting was held in connection the recent statement made to media by the owner of Arrindell Aviation Mr. Frank Arrindell concerning the terrible service that is being given at the PJIA.
During the meeting, an open discussion took place where the Immigration Officers were allowed to bring forward their day to day experiences. Chief Commissioner de Witte and Commissioner Carl John expressed their concerns about this delicate situation and informed the workers that new policies and guidelines in regard to the daily operation and also the cooperation with the airlines and private flight handlers will be put in place and implemented. A meeting with airport management, airline representatives and private flight handlers will be scheduled to discuss all matters.

Philipsburg:--- Sandra "Blackie" Hall born in Jamaica and a former security officer at Sherriff Security is facing nine (9) years imprisonment for fatally stabbing Radford Alexander (Skinny) Seaford to death on October 18 2010.

Hall told the court that on the night of the incident she arrived home at 11:10pm after working double shifts. She said when she reached the house she met Skinny with a neighbour on the porch and she went into the house, changed her clothes and was looking at a movie when the neighbour left. "Immediately after that, Skinny came to sit next to me and began pulling my hair and accusing me of not going to work but with other men."The accused murder suspect told the court that Skinny told her to leave his house and  she went into the bedroom and bathroom to pack her belongings. Skinny she said entered the bedroom with a knife where he continued to abuse and assault her. "Skinny took the knife and began tearing the plastic bag in which I put my belongings and he threatened to kill me a number of times."

Hall said Skinny even accused her of stealing his jewelry which was later found in his pocket and on top of a music box, all of which she said the police took.

However, the court heard a different version in the court room during the trail on Wednesday afternoon compared to the statements Hall gave to police when she was arrested. Asked by the judge if she touched the body after stabbing Skinny, Hall said she was afraid and the only thing she did was push her hands in his pocket where she found her house key, she also said she grabbed the knife that Skinny had and the one she used to stab him and ran to the neighbour's house. Hall further told the court that she asked the neighbour to use his phone to call the police but the neighbour said he did not have credit on his phone, but when she told him she will call Sherriff Security he lone her the phone and she placed a call to the company where she worked. Those statements contradicted the statements given by the neighbour who said he saw Blackie shaking the dead man who was lying on the floor when they returned to the house. The defendant could not tell the court how Skinny ended up with two stab wounds in his back and one in his chest. She told the court that she was standing face to face with Skinny when she hugged him and stabbed him once in the back, and as he turned to grab a golf stick she stabbed him the fatal wound in his chest. Hall said when she stabbed Skinny he fell on his face and probably rolled over but the way the body was found in the house is not compatible to the statements given by the accused. Both the judge and the prosecution asked Hall to tell them if in fact Skinny tried to grab a golf stick and if she stabbed him on the side, then who moved his body and placed it the way it was found. Hall was also asked how long the fight lasted and if there were arguments in the house prior to the stabbing, she told the court Skinny was the one making the most noise but that was also contradicted by the next door neighbour who said she slept through the entire ordeal. Hall could not tell the court exactly what time she stabbed Skinny and how long the argument lasted as police were notified almost two hours after the stabbing.

Prosecutor Mannon Redderbects asked the accused to tell the court why she did not move out of the house if Skinny was such an abusive man, she responded by saying she had intended to do just that but she also had planned to visit her four children and grandchild in Jamaica. She further explained that she is the sole breadwinner for her children and grandchild and that at no time she wanted to hurt herself, and her children whom she said is not in school now that she is incarcerated. Sandra Hall dressed in a green shirt and Khaki colour pants and high heel shoes asked the court for leniency for the sake of her four children while she expressed remorse for how Skinny lost his life. Hall further told the court she is a hard working woman who never went out sporting, instead her main focus was work and home so she could have provided for herself and children. The judge said that the statements given by the defendant are conflicting. One such statement, is that the defendant claims Skinny was using a knife to poke her in the face and when she grabbed him and stabbed him the knife fell and she later picked  it up and ran over to the neighbour's house. The judge said based on the evidence provided both of the defendant's hands were covered in blood while there was no trace of blood on that knife.

The judge will render her decision on January 26th.

Philipsburg:--- SMN News has been reliably informed that the General Secretary of the Democratic Party Julian Rollocks and the board of the DP have parted ways. The source said the board of the Democratic Party is not communicating with Rollocks and the only thing that has to take place is the paper work when Rollocks decides to officially resign from the party.
The source said the Democratic Party did not make any offer to Rollocks since the September 17 election passed and Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams is no longer taking advice from Rollocks.
The source further explained that Rollocks made several attempts to communicate with the Prime Minister but so far his efforts are in vain. SMN News further learnt that DP party president Michael Ferrier and Rollocks do not see eye to eye and on most occasions their board meetings turns out to be nothing less than a heated argument.
In the meantime, SMN News has learnt that Julian Rollocks is busy discussing with the leader of the United People's Party Theo Heyliger who has since offered him a position in the Tourist Office. It is not clear if Rollocks will be working as a full time employee or if he is seeking a job as a consultant.
When contacted on Monday Rollocks did not comment on either subject.

Philipsburg:--- Leader of the National Alliance Faction William Marlin has dispatched a letter to the Chairlady of parliament Gracita Arrindell regarding the agreement general secretary of parliament Franklyn Hanze signed with the United Telecommunications Company (UTS) without the approval of parliament.

SMN News learnt that the chairlady of parliament had instructed the general secretary to sign the contracts on behalf of members of parliament prior to discussing the matter with the MP’s or the faction leaders.

The source said at least two members of parliament supporting government raised severe objections to the decision taken by the chairlady to provide the MP’s with a cellular telephone package that is half the amount compared to what was proposed by the Ombudsman.

SMN News learnt that the Ombudsman proposals for MP’s are equal to the Secretary Generals which amounts to Naf: 500.00.

While it is said two MP’s supporting government contested the limits on their phones. The source further explained that the phones delivered to the MP’s are the latest Blackberry Torch (touch screen) and all 15 of the parliamentarians accepted their phones. Furthermore, the opinion expressed by the source is that if the parliamentarians are objecting to the procedures that led to the signing of the contracts then these parliamentarians should not have accepted the phones until the issue is cleared up. SMN News further learnt that while the MP’s in the National Alliance have accepted the phones none of them activated it as yet. Some of the MP’s also want to know why they were not given the option to choose which of the two companies they would have liked to have.

In an invited comment, Managing Director of UTS Glen Carty said the contracts have been signed and the phones were delivered by the staff of the commercial department to each parliamentarian who accepted the phones which has a limit of Naf.250 monthly.

Marlin in his letter asked at least thirteen questions regarding the contracts and under whose authority Hanze signed the contract.

A copy of the letter which was provided to SMN News states that parliamentarians were informed during one of the permanent committee meetings last week that a delegation from UTS were to visit them to make a proposal from UTS on cellular phone packages for all members of parliament. Marlin stated in his letter that the chairlady had said all members of parliament were informed of the meeting which turned out to be false.

According to Marlin’s letter when the UTS delegation visited them at the new parliament building they brought with them cellular phones for all members of parliament with new numbers based on an agreement Hanze signed with the company.

Marlin indicated that a brainstorming meeting was held on Friday morning with the four faction leaders to see if they could have reached an agreement on the cellular phone package for the MP’s. So far no final agreement has been reached and the matter he said is still hanging in the air.

Marlin said several Members of Parliament have already received their new phone, have had it activated and are already using the number assigned to them.

Marlin therefore submitted his questions to which he is looking forward to a speedy response. This he said is to avoid un-necessary mistakes which could lead to negative legal and financial consequences for parliament.

 

The questions are as follows:

 

1. When did Mr. Hanze sign the agreement with UTS, containing a “package” for the use of cellular telephone service provided by UTS? Who signed the agreement on behalf of UTS?

2. On whose behalf did Mr. Hanze sign the agreement?

3. When did or will the agreement go into effect?

4. For how long a period is or will the agreement be in effect?

5. What are the monthly/annual financial consequences of this agreement?

6. May I have a copy of the agreement?

7. Who authorized Mr. Hanze to sign the agreement?

8. Is it true that the agreement went into effect as of January 1^st, 2011?

9. May I have a copy of the instructions given to Mr. Hanze, authorizing him to sign the agreement?

10. On whose behalf (the Chairlady of Parliament, the Parliament of St. Maarten, as Interim Griffier of the Parliament of St. Maarten) did Mr. Hanze sign the agreement?

11. Was there any consideration given to enter a similar agreement with TELEM?

12. Who initiated discussions with UTS that led to the signed agreement?

13. Were similar discussions held with TELEM? If no, why not?

Pelican:--- The owners of Pelican Resort filed for dismissal at the labor department on Tuesday  for all of its workers. General Manager of the Resort Jules James confirmed to SMN News that the dismissal requests were filed for the 182 employees currently working at Pelican Resort. Pelican workers were in meetings most of the day on Tuesday with management of the Resort while they met with the WIFOL on Tuesday night.

It is not clear which of the companies filed for the dismissal of  the workers since the government of St. Maarten has already issued the business license to the new companies that were established in December 2010 by the company’s managing director Jules James.

Jules James is the managing director of "Simpson Bay Resort Owners Company BV" and "Simpson Bay Resort Management Company BV" both of which were registered on December 21 2010.

According to information provided to SMN News, these business licenses are in the hands of the labour mediators. Government also informed the union and  its legal representatives that the business licenses were issued early January 2011.

SMN News received some documents which showed that the SBRMC in a proposal to WIFOL states that they “will” hire the entire pool of the existing employees of Pelican Resort Club. The management Company NV (PRCMC) for an indefinite period as per its labour agreement and with the following conditions:

* Wags will be final wages as are currently earned, salary, meals allowance and transportation, remaining possible benefits as per the law.

*Whatever claims and or compensation the employees have with the Old company, PRCMC will maintain. It is explicitly clear that SBRMC has no other obligations towards the employees, than has been voluntarily agreed to in this agreement.

Management reserves the right to end the working relationship with up to 50 employees within an evaluation period as per the law of 60 days from the date of the employment. This reduction of the workforce will be at the discretion of management.

SBRMC will voluntarily disbursed an amount of the anticipated severance pay to any employee as referred as to in the number 2above, whose employment may be discontinued prior to any SVB payment or otherwise, resulting from the closure of PRCMC. The employees will prior to any SVB payment or otherwise resulting from the closure of PRCMC. The employee will simultaneously assign and the collection rights for these funds against the third parties to SBRMC.

 

During the meeting with the WIFOL and its members on Tuesday night the President of WIFOL Theophilus Thompson informed the workers that the deadlock was caused by one word which is in contradiction of the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA).

Thompson also told SMN News that while Pelican said in their proposal that they will hire 130 of the workers indefinitely the union is saying the workers are already hired based on article 34 of the current CLA which was signed on September 12 2009 by WIFOL, Pelican Resort Club (The management company NV.), Mr. Rodrigo Gamboa (the corporate coordinator of the Caribbean Division, Silvia Richardson (General Secretary) and Mr. Jules James General Manager.

 

Article 34 of the Final Stipulations reads:--

This Collective Labour Agreement is for the benefit of the parties and employees covered by it.  As long as this agreement is in effect, it shall be binding upon the successors and assigns or parties and any groups or organizations or entity coming after them, which is also subcontractors and concessionaries. None of the herewith agreed terms will survive the agreement after its termination. If provisions of this agreement do no coincide with the terms mentioned on the employee policies and procedures attachment 3, then the provisions of the agreement will prevail.

Asked by SMN News, if the union was given any sort of notification on the dismissal application Thompson said he was not informed but while the company has the right to request dismissal it’s another thing if it is granted.

One of the employees who spoke to SMN News on the condition of anonymity said that management closed their sales office on Monday afternoon and sent home all their workers. The employee further explained that one of the sales persons of Pelican had a stroke since the labour unrest began at the Resort. They said meetings were held with the maintenance, house-keeping and landscaping departments on Tuesday. We urge our readers to listen to the audio as well as to read the documents below to better understand the Pelican saga which might lead to labour unrest at the largest resort on St. Maarten.

Pelican Resort News Update.

Great Bay (GIS):--- The Occupational Health & Safety Inspector of the Inspectorate of Health, Social Development & Labour (VSA) has been carrying out spot checks of construction sites to see if contractors are adhering to the occupational health and safety ordinance.

The occupational health and safety ordinance requires all employers to provide well-maintained tools, equipment, a workplace free of hazards including appropriate personal protective equipment.

Employers must provide their employees with a place free from recognized hazards that are causing, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm.

A number of unsafe practices have been uncovered during spot checks and in many cases the contractors were verbally warned to put things in place for the safety of workers on the construction site.

Employees at the site were also informed by the inspector about the importance of safety in order to avoid workplace injuries and to avoid exposure to workplace hazards.

Employees and employers must be aware of their rights and obligations pertaining to safety and the consequences of not adhering to the relevant ordinance.

Effective job safety and health add value to the workplace and help reduce worker injuries and illnesses.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 337 million accidents occur on the job annually, while the number of people suffering from work-related diseases is close to two million. These mistakes amount to approximately 2.3 million deaths each year, with 650,000 of them due to hazardous substances – double the number of a few years ago.

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is here to assist employees and employers with the provision of information related to safety on the job. Those requesting information should contact the Inspectorate at 542-3579.

Philipsburg:--- Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams announced on Wednesday during the Council of Ministers press briefing that she has taken note of the press release issued by the Supervisory board on WINAIR and as such she will use the necessary means available to her to have the board of directors removed. Wescot Williams said while she did not want this discussion to reach public domain she has decided to also provide another management structure for the company since according to her, this procedure is extremely necessary based on the different reports that were made about WINAIR. The Prime Minister said some crucial and critical decisions have to be taken on WINAIR thus the course she started will be pursued. She said based on her understanding from the persons reporting to her, there was a consensus as far as tendering the resignations of the current board members are concerned. She said if that is not so then she will use the other avenues available to her to make sure the change takes place which is in the interest of the company and the workers. While speaking about the reports the Prime Minister refused to shed light on the contents of the reports, however, she said she will be looking at those reports closely.
Wescot Williams said her primary focus right now is to make sure the board is removed and the management structure is looked at, she also confirmed when asked how much scaling back will be done on WINAIR destinations. She said while it is necessary for cutting routes no definite decision has been taken on which routes will be cut. Wescot Williams also made clear that while the Supervisory board suggested that there is need for cash injection for the company to survive, government she said will not be making any such injections unless the issue with the board's resignation is resolved.
While the Prime Minister made her intentions known on Wednesday, she failed to address the letter sent to WINAIR with Michael Ferrier and the implications of the letter.
The supervisory board in their press release questioned the letter that was sent to them they said it is not an official letter from the office of the Prime Minister. An official letter would have been more valid.
Commenters on SMN News are now asking why the letter was not addressed to the Supervisory board of Directors of WINAIR.
The letter which was posted on SMN News states that the adhoc committee is appointed to evaluate and report on the status of WINAIR and make recommendations regarding the airline's future. The PM's letter also states that Ferrier has full authority to act on behalf of the Shareholder, for country St Maarten.
This then raises the legality of the appointment of Ferrier and is this is possible without a Ministerial decree. Would this appointment bring on legal wrangle for new born country St. Maarten?
Is it legally possible for the Prime Minister or any Minister for that matter at the stroke of a pen and unilaterally appoint someone with full authority to take decisions with regards to a Government owned company. While this letter was issued the same day the adhoc committee was installed, it behoves everyone to know why country St. Maarten via its Prime Minister was not able to issue a letter of comfort to WINAIR which would have enabled them to approach their bankers to apply for an overdraft facility on their loans.
SMN News learnt that the management of WINAIR has been asking for this letter for quite some time with no results. The former Government of the Netherlands Antilles as the Shareholder of WINAIR always gave the company such an important letter which allowed the company to continue to have overdraft facilities at its primary bankers. As a result of not issuing this letter the Country St. Maarten as Shareholder is now jeopardizing the future continuity of airlift services, due to this pending matter not being addressed in a timely manner.
It is rumoured that the intention of the Prime Minister is to appoint the committee members to top management positions within the company. If that is to be so then one would have to ask how these persons are going to be compensated and how much will they get when they assume office. The Prime Minister in her statements also said that the WINAIR would have to cut back some of its route meaning that the company may have to send home some its workers. Right now there are 97 persons employed at WINAIR.

Philipsburg:--- The Police Internal Affairs has begun an investigation into an alleged case of police brutality against a 20 year old man who was arrested on Souliga Road on Thursday. A video of the arrest can be viewed on Facebook and Youtube. However, police spokesman Ricardo Henson said a young man identified as R.L was forcefully arrested by officers when the suspect resisted his arrest. Henson said the police department wants to make clear that they have taken notice of the case and the allegations of police brutality, thus they have initiated an internal investigation to determine exactly what happened during the arrest. Henson said the investigation has first priority not only because of the allegations of police brutality but because one of the arresting officers was seriously injured during the arrest of the suspect.

While awaiting the results of the investigation, the police department is acknowledging the fact that it does not condone "police brutality" but is reminding the general public that resisting arrest is an unlawful act.

In connection with the case in which allegations of violence and police corruption are made which has recently been publicized in the local media, the police department is stating the following. The police department has taken note of this serious case. After looking at the case so far it shows that the system works. It shows that when some-one is arrested or detained by a police officer he or she has to be brought in front of a Public prosecutor or an acting public prosecutor, who will evaluate the case and determine if there was sufficient and legal grounds to arrest or detain that person. In this case the acting public prosecutor evaluated the case and found that there were insufficient grounds to detain the individual and he was set free. A fact finding investigation by the Police Internal Affairs is ongoing in regarding other allegations that were made.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto says that the Social Economic Council (SER) will soon be established, and is looking forward to a close working relationship with all social partners in 2011.

"There will be many issues that need to be handled, and a close working relationship between the social partners is a necessity for tranquil relations and an environment for peace, progress and national development.

"Nobody owes Sint Maarten a living. We must work together as a nation in a collective effort in order for our country to continue to prosper.

"I am confident that the SER will play a key role in promoting good industrial relations between workers, employers and government; improving working conditions; and improving productivity for the mutual benefit of workers, employers, and the country.

"I look forward to sitting down with the WICUS/PSU to discuss civil servant issues as well. All parties must have an understanding for each other's position.

"We must be transparent in our dealings and from there we will be able to resolve any issues based on this mutual understanding," Minister Shigemoto said over the weekend.

Philipsburg:--- Taxi drivers from both sides of the island represented by at least three taxi associations gathered outside the government administration building on Monday morning to protest against the recent stabbing one of their colleagues endured from a gypsy driver. Among them were representatives and colleagues from the French side Taxi Association (SMUTA), the president of the Dutch Taxi Association (DSTA) and the Airport Taxi Association.
Traffic was backed up from all angles as the angry and frustrated taxi drivers parked their vehicles almost anywhere in the vicinity of the government administration building forcing police to cordon the area. Members of each of the taxi association boards then entered the government administration building where they demanded to meet with Minister of Tourism Franklyn Meyers and Minister of Justice Rolland Duncan.
The drivers told the two Ministers that it has been years now they have been asking government and the police to do more to curb the gypsy taxi services which are offered to the island's visitors illegally. The drivers even suggested that one of the gypsy drivers whom they said is a Jamaican is protected by police and as such he practices his illegal trade without fear. Some of the drivers said the same individual even pulled out a gun and threatened a boat captain while he threatened another well known driver who rebuked him while he was trying to sell a male tourist and his children illegal drugs.
Both Ministers told the drivers that while they understand their plight and accepted their proposals as to how the police and government should begin controlling and punishing gypsy drivers, the necessary policies and legislations have to be in place. Commissioner of Police Carl John also urged the Ministers to make sure they have the tools (policies and legislation) in place which would give them (police) the power to seize the vehicles operated by the gypsy drivers. The Minister also indicated that while the police is willing to act the law is very tricky. Minister Meyers said gypsy drivers have to be caught collecting monies for their services before the law can act.
In the meantime, several persons including a guest house owner said the situation with the gypsy taxis are brought on by the taxi drivers themselves. The well known businessman said that on several occasions when the guest houses or hotels call the taxi stands for a taxi to take one or two persons to the airport the legal taxi drivers would refuse to transport the passenger because they are either busy or prefer to have a tour. Another businessman said even the police sometimes turn to the gypsies for services because the registered taxis do not want the smaller jobs unless its slow season.
A representative from AFOO supermarket told SMN News that the taxi drivers refuse to transport food saying that frozen foods would mess up their vehicles. The supermarket representative said that during the holidays and weekends it is only the gypsy drivers that provide services to their clients.
Below is the audio of the meeting with the taxi drivers and the Ministers at the government administration building on Monday.

Philipsburg:--- The five women, three of which have been working at the IND building (BTA section) appeared in court on Monday where the prosecution requested eight days extension for all of the suspects who are charged with forging of documents and human smuggling. The suspects, Josianne Cannegieter, Josianne Emmanuel, Pat Romney, Evelyn Hodge and Weisha Alfred were arrested on Friday after police began an investigation into a stolen government stamp.
The prosecutor's office said in a press statement on Friday that they conducted seven house searches, including the IND office where monies and documents were confiscated.
Attorney at law Cor Merx representing the BTA project coordinator Evelyn Hodge and Pat Romney told SMN News that the judge released Romney but granted the eight day extension for Hodge. SMN News confirmed that the judge of instruction granted the extension for four of the five suspects while one was released. So far no information on the release of Romney has been made available.
Police escorted three of the suspects during the early afternoon where they heard what they are accused of in the presence of their lawyers and the judge of instruction. Among the first three was Josianne Cannegieter a former executive secretary to former leader of government William Marlin. Two of the suspects hid their faces as they were led inside the court house but Cannegieter looked around and waived relatives and friends who gathered outside the courthouse in her support.
Later the project coordinator Evelyn Hodge was taken to the court house dressed in prison garb. Hodge and the other female suspect were shackled together. As Evelyn Hodge dismounted the police vehicle several supporters began shouting out to her telling her she needs to stay strong. The whaling and support obviously gave Hodge some courage as she lifted her head and smiled.
Several onlookers and supporters of Evelyn Hodge screamed out telling her to remain strong as she exited the court house. Hodge on her way out of the court house waived to her supporters telling them she was okay.
It has been weeks now information reached the media indicating that crimes are being committed at the IND office and that one particular worker who is now in police custody has been engaging in the selling of predated application forms and numbers. Several persons also said they paid one of the suspects to fill in their application form when the BTA was introduced last year and that the person was charging them monies the minute she began working at IND.
Outside of the courthouse on Monday bystanders and some relatives of the one of the suspects were overheard saying that this person is a known trickster and government should have known better when they hired her to work with immigration papers.

Great Bay (GIS):--- Section Head of Disaster Management Paul Martens, says that a bathymetric survey (mapping of the sea floor) will commence in the coastal waters of Sint Maarten on Saturday. A jet ski with survey equipment attached will start from the Philipsburg area.

The survey is part of a proactive disaster management approach, "Hazard and Vulnerability Assessment Project," being taken by disaster management organizations within the region with assistance from a number of development organizations.

The aim is to examine hazards posed by inland and coastal flooding across the country. The hazards under consideration involve flash floods, coastal storm surges and tsunamis. The information derived from the survey and other research that has been done will lead to the development of a Disaster Plan as well as an early warning system.

All of this is part of the Regional Risk Reduction Initiative (R3I) project for the Dutch and United Kingdom overseas territories.

Two Dutch University Delft students will carry out the survey under the supervision of Professor Zoran Vojnovic from the hydrological institute UNESCO-IHE in Delft, The Netherlands.

UNESCO-IHE has been working on projects on Sint Maarten in the past namely, the storm water modeling for the Cul-de-Sac basin which was carried out in 2005-2006. Currently work is being executed on a similar water modeling project for the Dutch-French Quarter basin.

European Union (EU) funding has been made available for several regional projects in the field of disaster management and risk reduction.

The project is being coordinated by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) office in Barbados. One of the projects is Early Warning Systems of which Sint Maarten is a beneficiary.

The bathymetric survey is one of the elements of this particular project. NASA will be taking satellite imagery of the island in the same time period using their E)-1 satellite to capture high resolution imagery of coastal waters during the survey period. The survey is expected to last 10-14 days or up to February 13.

Dutch Quarter:--- The I CAN Foundation and its orphans may have to wait for another lengthy period of time before the beautifully coloured home can be furnished even though the Dutch Government through USONA have paid out Naf 400,000.00 for the furnishing of the home.
President of the I CAN Foundation Cassandra "Debby" Gibbs filed an official report with the detectives department on Friday requesting that an investigation be conducted on how USONA and the BAK paid out the monies to the company that was awarded the bid to furnish the home.
According to documents provided to SMN News by Gibbs, her office manager a former felon and owner of Personalize Creation submitted a bid unknowingly to the President and founder of the I CAN Foundation for the furnishing of the home. Joanne Forde had all the necessary information on the amount of monies USONA and government had awarded the I CAN Foundation for the furnishing which she used to her advantage.
Gibbs said her former office manager Joanne Forde used the stamps from I CAN Foundation and submitted a list and other documents on behalf of the foundation when she added her company on the list as a bidder for the furnishings. Gibbs said when Mrs. Forde added her company Personalise Creation to the list and submitted it to government she did not even send in a quotation but government she said granted the company the bid. "It appears that someone from the inside along with Personalise Creation is involved in the fraud and forgery and the police would have to determine this through their investigation." Furthermore, while Gibbs filed an official complaint with the detectives about the forged documents which was sent by Forde to government, it is not clear if USONA filed a complaint for the fraud committed by Personalize Creation owned and operated by Neville and Joanne Forde.
Gibbs said while all of this was done and the monies were paid to Personalize Creation the Project Manager of BAK drs. Andrea Ortega–Oudhoff never visited the children's home to see if the monies were used to furnish the home. "One would think that government would have followed proper procedures when they are offering bids and companies would have to provide all the relevant documents before the bidder is even considered. I also believe that the project manager should have visited the I CAN Home to see and take pictures of the furniture for their own filing." Gibbs said she is in the habit of seeing USONA signing off on agreements when they pay out monies on behalf of the harbour buy back funds but this particular project was kept in the closet. Gibbs said at no time USONA or BAK made personal contact with her about the payout. She said while she knew the money was there and that government had sent out a bid she did not know who got the bid and when the monies were paid out.
Gibbs said it was sometime in November last year she was at a Supermarket when she met Oudhoff who asked her if she was happy now that the home was furnished. The surrogate mother said when the question was posed to her she responded negatively and it was then she was told that Personalise Creations was awarded the bid and that documents from I CAN Foundation were sent to BAK and USONA with I CAN Foundation stamps. The project manager even went as far as telling her in front of the supermarket that they also received the list with I CAN Foundation stamp confirming receipt of the items.
Gibbs said when she heard this she invited the project manager to I CAN Home where they held discussions on the bid and how it was conducted. She said it was during those meetings she was told that Joanne Forde signed off the documents on behalf of I CAN Foundation and she informed the project manager that Forde is also the owner of Personalize Creations.
Gibbs said during these discussions she was given the documents that Forde submitted including the list of items and the prices for the items.
"When I was going through the list I saw some prices that made me wonder if the project manager did not see that Joanne Forde charged Naf.810 for 300 hundred wooden clothes pins. She said while all prices on the list of items skyrocketed the price for the clothespins were the most outrageous. So far, I CAN has received 65 items out of the 266 items it ought to receive. The I CAN Foundation also instructed the project manager to stop Personalize Creations from shopping because so far the 65 items they delivered are items they bought at the Dollar Store on St. Maarten and the items are all of inferior quality.
Below are some of the documents Gibbs provided to SMN News to show the discrepancies on this particular transaction.

The letter from the BAK to the I CAN Foundation.

The price list that was submitted by Joanne Forde on behalf of Personalize Creations to BAK and USONA.

Philipsburg:--- The labour unions on St. Maarten are calling on all their membership to come out in full support on Monday morning at the Great Bay Sports Auditorium to join the teachers and civil servants in their fight for cost of living allowances.
On Sunday President of the WITU Claire Elshot condemned the Minister of Education for sending out a press release to the media indicating that Monday is a regular school day and that her Ministry will apply the "no work, no pay" policy for those teachers who stay away from the classroom.
Elshot said Minister of Education Rhoda Arrindell taught the teachers on St. Maarten to be the "Rosa Parks" of St. Maarten when it comes to fighting for their rights. She also called on Minister Arrindell to join hands with her colleagues in the council of ministers to find a proper and workable solution when it comes to the cost of living allowances and vacation pay for teachers.
Elshot also issued a call to all parents to bring along their children at the Sports Auditorium to join the teachers in their struggle. "This is not only about the teachers it's about your children also" Elshot told the radio listeners.
Elshot appeared on the Lloyd Richardson radio program with President of the WIFOL Theophlius Thompson and Press Officer of the Windward Islands Health Care Union Greg Arrindell where they each said they are in solidarity with each other as workers are in the current labour unrest on St. Maarten.
Participating in the actions that is called "membership meetings" are the WICSU/PSU, ABVO, WITU, WIFOL and the WIHCU. The meeting on Monday is to further discuss the proposal offered by the council of ministers on Friday evening.
On Saturday, workers of the Pelican Resort Club manifested against their employer who sent them home last week and has been outsourcing their employment to other companies. Workers of Pelican Resort Club showed up at the resort where they blocked the outsourcing staff from entering the resort.
Thompson said the Pelican workers will meet at the WIFOL building on Monday morning before they join the meetings of the WITU, WICSU/PSU, and ABVO at the Great Bay Sports Auditorium as the WIFOL has filed a court case against Pelican Resort Club for sending home the 182 workers.
In the meantime, a circular was sent to SMN News where an organised group of persons is calling for a general strike to force the present government out of office.
The circular which is posted below states that if the people of Tunisia and Egypt can come together and force their government out of office the people of St. Maarten can do it too.
Below is the circular for your reading pleasure.

Massive General Strike Circular to Force Government from Office.

Philipsburg:--- Several teachers and civil servants who attended the information session called by various unions on Monday to further discuss the third proposal presented to the unions by Finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto expressed disgust at their union representatives whom they said are compromising with government.

Furthermore, the teachers who are represented by the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) said they are not satisfied with the WICSU whose full membership was not in attendance at the meetings. The teachers said it appears as though the WICSU is not on the same page as the WITU and they are using the membership of the WITU in the labour fight. “Most of the people here are teachers and at the end of the day all civil servants will benefit because they too will receive their 5.3% cost of living allowances.” One angry teacher said she is of the opinion that the unions were paid out over the weekend because the unions have changed their attitude in representing them.

In an invited comment, a board member of the WICSU said that when the unions met with government on Friday they obtained information on government’s predicament. The WICSU member said that government explained to them that the 2011 budget is still to be approved by the CFT and they are not in a position to add anything else to the budget which could bring about a negative feedback from the CFT. The Finance Minister told the unions that there is nothing he could do to the budget to meet their demands.

However, the teachers and civil servants feel that the Finance Minister would have to deal with that by himself since he did not consult with the unions when he adjusted the budget and removed their cost of living allowances. The teachers said that the Minister could have reduced the salaries of the Members of Parliaments or that of the Ministers rather than cutting the worker’s salaries.

According to the WICSU board member, the membership of the unions refused to understand or work with government since according to them government has monies to build  a bridge, and fix roads but they have refused to pay their workers. “While the unions understand the feelings of our membership we also have to find a solution to this problem. It is not good when government rolls out a project everyday and expect us to convince the workers that they do not have any monies.” The WICSU board member said government has to be realistic in what they are doing. Up to 2pm on Monday the unions and its members could not come to a consensus on the proposal they are going to submit to government on the cost of living allowances.

Several Members of parliament from the National Alliance faction were seen at Monday’s meeting. An elderly man was overheard telling the unions to demand the resignation from government and call for new election. The gentleman said government had refused to address their people and bring about a solution even though there is a national crisis ongoing.

In the meantime, the unions, namely the WITU, WICSU/PSU, ABVO, WIFOL and WIHCU will be continuing with their meetings on Tuesday as they have sent another proposal to the Minister of Finance telling him that the workers are willing to accept their 3.3% cost of living allowance by March 1 2011 retroactively to January 1 2011. The unions also made clear in their proposal that the workers are willing to accept their cost of living allowances by March 1 without interest. Included in the proposal is that should government decide they would not make the payments by March 1 then they would be demanding interest.

CFT and 2011 Budget ---  St. Maarten Government must fill 30 million holes by February 17^th

In the meantime, the Committee on Financial Supervision (CFT) has sent a letter to the government of St. Maarten on January 25^th informing government that they have until February 17^th to fill the Naf.30 million deficit that is still in the 2011 budget. SMN News has been reliably informed that the CFT while holding discussions with government indicated to them that they will not approve the budget if the deficit is not completely taken away.

The 2011 budget had 130 million guilders deficit when it was presented. Government in an effort to balance the budget added 2% TOT tax on goods purchased while they made several cuts in the budget to balance it. The Finance Minister had said he presented a balanced budget when the TOT tax was increased from 3% to 5%. However, with the latest information from the CFT it can be concluded that the 2011 budget which was approved by the UP/DP coalition in parliament is far from being balanced.

Prison Guards Walk Out.

On Monday, the prison guards at the Pointe Blanche prison staged a walk out protesting against government whom they said had enough time to prepare their salaries for January 2011. According to the prison guards, some of their colleagues were not paid while they did not receive the 2% cost of living allowances government promised to add their salaries. The director of the prison system was the only person on duty on Monday as the guards left to attend the meetings called by their unions at the Great Bay Sports Auditorium. Earlier SMN News stated that the Coast Guards were part of the walk out but when they were contacted they said they were not a part of any actions.

In an invited comment, Prison Director Rudsel Ricardo said that he locked in the prisoners because the guards are fighting for their rights. Ricardo said it is his belief that the prisoners will cooperate because they understand the fight of the civil servants. Ricardo also confirmed that he alerted the police about the situation at the Pointe Blanche Prison.
In the meantime, the immigration officers at the Princess Juliana International Airport are also on a go slow as they protest against their cost of living allowances.

Pelican Heart is a noteworthy volume, for several reasons: first, it is an important anthology of one of the most significant voices of the Caribbean today. Second, Emilio Jorge Rodríguez has produced a bilingual edition (Spanish/English) of the poetry from 1978-2010, thus enabling this poetic voice to reach across the Caribbean region, and particularly to the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. Furthermore, Emilio Jorge Rodríguez' critical edition is an excellent contribution to Caribbean literary studies, placing Sekou and St. Martin clearly in the centre of Caribbean poetics; and finally, because this anthology also opens a window to Lasana Sekou's (and House of Nehesi's) remarkable editorial project. Here we can find important lessons for developing multilingual and intercultural education and cultural agendas in the Caribbean.
If we approach the Caribbean from a comparative perspective the many intertwining links and bridge-like elements reveal themselves as overlapping sea-waves, or as intricate coral slabs: the "repeating island" (Benítez-Rojo), the islands of calypso (Brathwaite), the bridges of rhythm extending from Yucatán to Guyana (Wilson Harris), the submarine unity (Brathwaite, again), and Glissant's rhizome, visualized in the complexity of our mangroves and seascapes. St. Martin, with a population drawn from almost every corner of the region becomes a telling paradigm of "the one-and-many-Caribbean" a laboratory of Caribbean multiplicity, where we find that we live our identities and our everyday experiences as overlapping layers, in constant motion and flux.
The introductory study, notes and glossary written for this edition by Emilio Jorge Rodriguez (independent scholar, Cuba) have represented a journey in itself, a journey of dialogues across the region, one that Rodríguez points to in the introduction: "Dialogue with Caribbean literature, culture and history, past or present, is inherent to the production of this author" (p. 223); and he continues, pointing to the "intertextual conversation" that dialogues, verse to verse with Sekou's poetry, and with a wide range of Caribbean writers and intellectuals. If we glance only at the glossary that Rodríguez includes in the edition, the reader can participate in a network of densely woven conversations. Sekou's poetry takes us to a reliving of the histories of the leaders of slave rebellions across the region; we hear the voices and actions of those who struggle for freedom and human rights; we hear the tales of the trauma of the Middle Passage, repeating the names of the slave ships, names whose echo deafens us now, as they are juxtaposed with the names of tourist cruise ships, the new Caribbean plantation (see "boats" in Mothernation). And it is also an intertextual conversation weaving a literary dialogue across the region, and placing Sekou within an important Caribbean canon: Césaire, Guillén, Louise Bennett, Lamming, Brathwaite, Marion Bethel; with artists, and above all with musicians, adding a further dimension to these conversations, Mighty Sparrow, Chalkdust, Bratish Emperor, Kassav. In search of a single word, a term to explain this poetic voice, Rodríguez turns to music, and borrows "fusion."
It is important to dwell here on "fusion," as it is this concept that leads us to the three principal themes running through the anthology: histories (plural); oral traditions; and identity/home. Storytelling, the recovering of memory, through the beating of the repeating drum in this poetic anthology, that sounds and echoes with voice, orality, noise, music, song: this anthology is performative, dramatic and sonorous. Furthermore, it is here that history and orality come together to construct the idea of belonging, of identity and of home. In Lasana Sekou's poetry, orality is both form and content: sound, sonority, voice, calypso, rhythm, are vital poetic strategies: but they are also the profound message of cultural identity that he strives to transmit, as we observe in Quimbé: poetics of sound, in many sections of Born Here, and in Nativity.
Although the intertextual and interspacial references in Sekou's poetry take us journeying through the area, there is always a point of return, a focal point and this is St. Martin, the island-space. The titles of each collection place us here: Born Here, Nativity, Mothernation, The Salt Reaper (referring to the salt beds of St. Martin). In the style of Cortazar's Rayuela, Lasana builds up his centre – his island, his mothernation, his nativity – from the stories of the other islands and other struggles. He jumps from shore to centre, rebuilding history, for the simple reason that the history of St. Martin is ignored in official texts; the history of the plantation, the exploitation of salt, the history of the ancestors, tales of migration within and without the island are just not there. Sekou's histories, therefore, come together as a collage, as a jigsaw puzzle of narrations, histories, tales and conversations. Lasana draws attention to what Lamming denominates "the terror of the mind," the colonization of mentality, that leads to the erosion of memory, to negation.
In this anthology Lasana initiates the recovery of memory, turning to the oral histories to rebuild the past and understand the present: "It was pain/in this labor among saline blades/cutting into our blood/to reap pyramids of salt" (Sekou, 2010: 363). In Salt Reaper Lasana portrays the abandonment of the salt beds, today turned into rubbish dumps. Government officials ignore the past and look at the salt beds and just shout: "Blah, blah, blaaaah" (Sekou, 2010: 387). In Salt Reaper the production of salt is the double edged trauma of the plantation and the source of cultural resistance and creativity: the salt of the land, the salt that cures wounds, the crib of the nation: "There will be no love poems tonight/only sweaty words/pond salt rhymes/calloused complaints from people's voices/oral, alive, a salve, conscious, lyrics/to rub on each other's bruised, whipped backs/to vent out the vex self/to combat it) to splice it)/to gut the truth from the intestines of misrule ("No love poems," Sekou, 2010: 378). Characteristically, here protest joins with memory for the painful recovery of a history. Sekou comments in an interview that "salt reaping" I and II (Salt Reaper, 2004:56-57) are inspired by conversations held with a woman from the village who still recalls the days of salt production, and so thus, in "The great salt pond speaks," the first verse reads: "I come from creation. Teeming with life [...] In me, you came to speak to each other of pain/of love, of freedom, of union" ("Great salt pond speaks," Sekou, 2010: 385).
This anthology, so carefully selected by Emilio Jorge Rodríguez and with excellent translation to Spanish by María Teresa Ortega, enables us to place Lasana Sekou within a Caribbean literary tradition that sets the standards for a corpus that is constantly evolving. At the heart of this anthology, both as a central theme in the social history of St. Martin and also as literary trope, is the journey: as historical and every day experience and as rhetorical figure to construct a Caribbean aesthetics. The journey is interiorized as the poetic pathway to understanding the transmission of cultural and identity as Sekou's personal quest – his personal ethics, as Rodríguez comments. This road is clear in Nativity, as the subsections of the volume start with a work ethos "culture is work," then, "culture is born here," and continue becoming more dynamic "Culture is marronage," "culture is borning change," "culture is journey," "culture winds. Winds us culturewise"; to reach the point of identification: "Culture is Self," "culture is solidarity" and to finally conclude with: "Journey journey/This is my journey/What are we?/Journey journey" (Sekou, 341).
In Sovereignty of the Imagination, Lamming asks: "Where is Home; and where does it begin?" (Lamming, 2009: 69). In this marvelous anthology compiled by Emilio Jorge Rodríguez, Lasana M. Sekou, provides us with an answer, from the heart of the Caribbean, offering us a poetics in motion, that overflows into all the corners of the region, and at the same time penetrates its roots deep within. Each story is unique; each tale is solidarity; each one is "Beloved nation family" (Sekou, 2010: 271); each is struggle, each is freedom.

Dr. Margarita Espinosa Blas (Univ. Querétaro) launched Pelican Heart /Corazón de Pelícano, the bilingual edition of poems of Lasana M. Sekou at the meeting of the Mexican Association of Caribbean Studies (AMEC), Mexico City, Mexico, 11 Nov 2010. The presentation, entitled "'So we be moving' – The Caribbean: poetics in motion," was written by Dr. Margaret Shrimpton (Univ. Autónoma de Yucatán) who was unable to attend the meeting. The above summary of Dr. Shrimpton's text was read during the AMEC meeting at the 10th annual Conference of the Caribbean Book / X Jornadas del Libro Caribeño, AMEC, 11-12 Nov 2010, DEH/INAH, Tlalpan, Mexico, DF. Pelican Heart / Corazón de pelícano is available at Van Dorp and Arnia's bookstores, www.amazon.com, and www.spdbooks.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A team of local celebrities voted Imelda Carty's Christmas lighting display the overall winner of the GEBE 2010 Christmas Lighting Competition. The display wowed the judges by capturing the traditional nativity scene in a creative manner while using many LED lights and special effects.

For the competition, local personalities were requested to judge the competitors and give their interpretation of the 5 categories. Participants' displays were judged on creativity, first impression, special effects, traditional/cultural and use of energy saving technology. The judging team consisted of Electra Voltage of Laser 101.1, Fernando Clark, DJ Biggers of SOS Radio and Altagracia William of AVS News.

Mrs. Carty has been participating in the GEBE Christmas Lighting Competition for quite a few years winning third in last year's competition. This year her display outdid her competition. "I do most of the decorations myself," Carty explained, "except the lights on the roof. I don't go up there!"

Instead of second and third prize winners, the best displays in the individual judging categories were determined giving participants more chances to win in the lighting competition. The category winners consisted of Mark Durand for the Best Energy Savings Display, Richard York for the best Traditional/Cultural Display, Julia Peterson for the best Special Effects, Recaldo Groeneveldt for the best First Impression, and Megan Ewing for the most Creative Display. The winner of the popular vote which is determined solely by votes from the community was Aurora Berkel.
GEBE would like to extend its sincere thanks to the judges of the competition and the participants for their support of this community program aimed at lighting up our community and bringing back the tradition of decorating our homes for Christmas.

Great Bay, St. Martin (Wednesday, January 12, 2011) – Broadway star Nicole de Weever made history when she won for the second year running in the Dance category of the Annual Culture Time Awards while being declared, Culture Time Person of the Year.
The Awards were announced during a special two-hour broadcast of the popular Sunday afternoon program on PJD-2 Radio. Culture Time is in its 24th uninterrupted year and ranks as the longest running cultural program on the island's airwaves.
"Nicole has spent the whole of 2010 on Broadway in the hit musical, FELA! which won two Tony Awards," observed Fabian Badejo, Producer/Co-host of Culture Time. "She has been a featured dancer and a spokesperson for the production off stage, appearing in numerous interviews and TV shows, and exhibiting the very best of St. Martin talent. She will be dancing at the BET Awards being taped on Saturday, January 15, 2011 for airing later in February," Badejo said.
"We have never had anyone take the same two honors back to back," noted Culture Time co-host Fernando Clark. "2010 was simply another great year for Nicole."
House of Nehesi Publishers Foundation, a not-for-profit publishing house considered to be among the leaders in book publishing in the Caribbean, won the "Cultural Organization of the Year Award," not only for its exemplary work in promoting the book as a cultural product but also for its excellent work in organizing activities such as the Annual St. Martin Book Fair in conjunction with Conscious Lyrics Foundation, the University of St. Martin and the St. Martin Tourist Bureau.
Three titles published by House of Nehesi in 2010 also made it to the final three in the "Book of the Year" category, which replaced the Literature Award this year. "Pelican Heart, An Anthology of Poems by Lasana Sekou" compiled, edited, and annotated by Cuban literary scholar Emilio Jorge Rodriguez was adjudged Book of the Year. The bilingual (English/Spanish) edition is the first anthology of Lasana Sekou's copious body of work, and makes this leading Caribbean poet available to a wider readership in the Spanish language. The book was launched in Mexico last year and has been receiving critical reviews by outstanding literary scholars.

Anastacia Larmonie, St. Martin's Music Ambassador, won the Lifetime Achievement Award.
"Ms. Larmonie groomed a whole generation of musical talents including the likes of LaVaune Henry," said Clark, highlighting her work with hundreds of St. Martin youth as Music teacher, and Voice instructor.
"She has an excellent resume as an arranger, and instrumentalist, and may be considered perhaps the island's most accomplished pianist," added Badejo who also pointed to her outstanding talent as a jazz vocalist.
The Patron of the Year Award went to the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, which has been a very significant sponsor of the Arts and Culture of the island.
"Many musicians will testify to the fact that the Tourist Bureau buys large quantities of their CDs for use as promotional materials, and thereby support their efforts perhaps more than any other institution," remarked Fernando Clark.
The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau is a major sponsor of activities such as Carnival, the Annual St. Martin Book Fair, the Heineken Regatta and organizes the yearly Boardwalk Mas.
Felix Hyman of Yvette's Restaurant was the first winner of the newest category, Chef of the Year.
"Yvette's Restaurant is an institution," noted Badejo. "Everybody has a favorite dish there. It is a pride of St. Martin cuisine offering the best in home-cooking, thanks to the special touch of Chef Felix."
House of Nehesi Publishers is due to release Yvette's Cookbook later this year.
The Music Award went to District Band, a group of talented youngsters who have several video clips and a CD to their credit.
Control Band was the runaway winner as "Band of the Year" for re-establishing that St. Martin tradition of dance bands. "Their consistency and versatility makes them stand out and 2010 has been a fantastic year for them," said Fernando Clark.
Sir Roland Richardson won again in the Fine Art category. The depth and variety of his work, as well as the brilliance of his canvases continue to win admirers every day. He has a permanent exhibition at his Art Gallery in Marigot, while he is quick to seize on any meaningful opportunity to take his art to unconventional venues like a private residence at La Samanna.
Other winners include DJ Outkast as DJ of the Year. "Outkast worked hard in 2010. He was busy throughout the year and showed that he belonged to that category of international DJs with his performances at Tantra for example," Fernando Clark said.
The Award for Youth Organization of the Year was won by New Status Generation Brass Band, under the inspirational leadership of Urmain Dormoy.
St. Martin Song of the Year Award went to "Leggo Massa Tete" by the reigning Calypso monarch, Emperor Brat, while the Foreign Song of the Year was "Ojala que llueva café" by the legendary Juan Luis Guerra and 440.
There were a record total of 16 categories for the Culture Time Awards, with only one being declared vacant – the Fashion Designer of the Year – because no nominees were submitted for the category, Clark noted.
The Awards do not carry any monetary or other material value but have become a prestigious recognition of consistent and excellent work in the field of culture by those who are in the field.

Great Bay:--- The video of the Boardwalk Mas 2010 is now showing at the St. Maarten government website www.sintmaartengov.org.
Last year's edition of the annual boardwalk festival featured some 30 traditional masqueraders, folk characters, carnival royals, and cultural performers, said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
The GIS recently uploaded the video to the territory's official website for public viewing and archiving.
The video features clips from the parade and concert of the 6th annual Boardwalk Mas.
The festival has become a yearly attraction and cultural hit with the island's families and increasingly with visitors, said Regina LaBega, head of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau (STB).
HNP's Offshore Editing Services coordinated the Boardwalk Mas 2010 and the video production for the STB.
To view the video at the government website, look in the lower right corner of the home page for "Special Programs" and click on "Boardwalkmas 2010," said Sample.
The groups and artists that participated in Boardwalk Mas 2010 included Nature Valley Foundation, No Kidding with our Kids Foundation, Dazzling Divas, Motiance Dance, Soualouiga Jump Up Brass Band, St. Jozeph Scouts Drum Band, Generation New Status Drum Band, Shabba Djembe Drummers, Pauline Gumbs, Capoeira, Gunslingers steelband, Tanny and the Boys, Grain D'Or, Fernando Clark, and Montesorri School.
Cultural organizations and artists interested in participating in future Boardwalk Mas parades and concerts should contact the STB Product Development at 542 2337.

Island Water World encourages recycling in the Caribbean and is introducing Eco bags, made from 100% natural fabrics. The bags are strong, beautifully hand-made township® fair trade bags and produced by previously disadvantaged women in Cape Town, South Africa. Each bag sold at Island Water World directly improves their lives.

Township is a dynamic Social Enterprise and centered on a thriving network of seven worker-owned sewing co-operatives, supporting around 70 women and their families.

Managing Director of Island Water World, Sean Kennelly, says:"We wanted to introduce a true Eco-bag, made from natural fibers, strong enough to hold our merchandise – but we did not want the bag to be produced cheaply in some 'sweatshop'. It needed to be a fair trade bag, where everybody benefits and we found the perfect match in South Africa!"

In 2010 Island Water World introduced an Eco label, developed to promote ecologically sound marine products sold at their six shops around the Caribbean.

For more info on Island Water World, check www.islandwaterworld.com or their Facebook page.
The bag is sold at the subsidized cost of US$5.00

Philipsburg:--- Recently a group of Care Providers on St.Maarten requested a meeting with the new Executive Body Social and Health Insurance. The professionals in their respective fields wanted to acquaint themselves with information regarding the new setup for the social and health insurances in St. Maarten (Uitvoeringsorgaan Sociale en Zieketekosten Verzekeringen.)

At the meeting the interim director of the Executive Body Social and Health Insurances, Mr. Dennis Richardson, introduced the transition team of the Executive Body Social and Health Insurances St.Maarten; thereafter he gave an extensive overview of the new setup.
The transition team consists of Mr. Dennis Richardson as Director, Mr. Reginald Willemsberg, Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Wilko Odijk, Quartermaster, Mr. Cliff Pinedo, Policy Advisor Health Care, Mrs. Susan Aafjes Project Manager Social Security and Pensions and Mr. Ronny Busby, Media Consultant.

In his presentation, Mr. Richardson explained to those present that the procedures, Tariffs, and regulations pertaining to AOV, AWW, OV, ZV, FZOG, AVBZ and Cessantia will remain the same until further notice.

Some of the Care providers queried the director and members of the transition team about payments and other pending issues, in addition to a request for more input in future health care decisions.

Mr. Richardson assured the care providers that he will be happy to listen to all stakeholders and provide real solutions to the various issues brought forward by the care providers.

St.Maarten took over the responsibility for social and health insurance as of October 10th, 2011. SVB Curacao will provide assistance and their full cooperation in the transition period.

For further information: Please contact, Mr. Wilko Odijk, QuarterMaster

Tel: 599 9 515-2012

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Great Bay:--- Herbert (Prince) Martina was elected President of the St. Maarten Basketball Association by default recently after the other candidate dropped out of the running. He replaces Gordon St. Luce, who temporarily stepped into the role in November 2010 when Daniel Berry resigned. Other incoming members of the Board are William York (Vice President, Nyanne Martina (Secretary), Rena Richardson (Treasurer), Eric Van Putten (Public Relations), Alston Lourens (Board Member), Jesus Richardson (Board member), Alex Ferdinand (Board member) and William Barry (Chief Referee).

The new board is currently planning exciting events for this season. Some of the plans include pre-season knock out elimination tournaments, the preparation and hosting of the 2011/2012 basketball season, live internet streaming of select games - for working or out of town supporters, organizing inter-neighborhood basketball games to increase awareness of the game and create more youth and community involvement in the sport, creating family fun days to raise awareness of the outdoor basketball courts and to help our youths and community through the use of basketball, helping to boost athletic moral and restore respect for basketball on St. Maarten, and creating and implementing a plan of action to fill the stands. Some of the ideas for the plan of action are giveaway incentives and half time shows to make games more fun, entertaining and interactive.

The new SBBA board believes that basketball on St. Maarten needs all hands on deck. The general public of St. Maarten and the business community have to realize that this directly affects the youths and their wellbeing. Government cannot be expected to solve all youth related matters therefore the new S.B.B.A. board is looking to everyone to keep basketball alive and to support the efforts of the S.B.B.A. in providing the youths with an opportunity to be involved in sports. The board is counting on businesses and parents to be involved, so if you'd like to assist on any level, please contact the board via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 5534057 or 5220873.

Supporters come out and cheer on your favorite team let them feel the love and to the players without you there would be no S.B.B.A. It will take everyone working together to make the 2011/2012 season and beyond a success.

Philipsburg:--- The federal detectives arrested five persons on Friday morning that are working at the Brooks Tower Accord Office on A.T Illidge Road. Those detained so far are head of the BTA extension project Evelyn Hodge who also worked for years as the secretary to several Lt. Governors on St. Maarten, Josianne Cannegieter a former executive secretary to former leader of government William Marlin. Cannegieter just recently received a six week contract to work with the BTA team as a helper. The identity of the other three suspects in custody has not been released. However, SMN News has been reliably informed that all suspects in custody are workers of the BTA project team. Earlier SMN News reported that an employee of the BTA team who worked under former Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba is also in custody, that person it is said hails from Suriname.
It has been several weeks now rumours have been circulating that workers of the BTA team were selling pre dated stamped application forms for as much as $600. Just two days ago SMN News was contacted by some persons who said they bought their stamped forms from one of the suspects who resides in Madame Estate. Persons whose papers were turned down by the labor department and IND also approached the BTA office for assistance since many of them have been living and working on the island for years. SMN News also learnt that the detectives searched the island labour department and seized all documents related to the BTA extension project.
A press release from press prosecutor Rienk Mud states that the detectives from KPSM, assisted by detectives of the Royal Marechaussee and RST (Recherche Samenwerkingsteam) are conducting an investigation into document fraud with regards to Brooks Tower II.
On Friday, January 21st 2011 seven house searches were carried out at different locations, including the Brooks Tower office at A.T. Illidge Road. The searches took place in the presence of the investigating judge. Documents, money and computers were seized.
Five persons were arrested. They have been placed in custody for questioning.
The team of detectives will continue the investigation.

Basseterre, St.Kitts (January 23rd 2011);-People's Action Movement Leader Lindsay Grant joined thousands of workers in the federation in expressing concern over what is essentially a reduced paycheque for their first salary of 2011.

The January paycheque of salaried workers in the federation was not only the first paycheque of 2011 but was also the first paycheque with the recently increased social service levy. It is also the first check that will have much less value as with the introduction of VAT , the raised social services levy and the 85% increase in electricity a $2000 cheque in economic and cost of living terms will get you far less than it did just a year ago.

"Most workers in St. Kitts and Nevis have each penny of their wages and salaries carefully allocated and simply cannot afford to lose any more after the punitive Value Added Tax," said People's Action Movement Leader Lindsay Grant.

"There is no appetite for any more increases in taxes in this country. The VAT, electricity bills and gas increase are already too much for workers that have seen the value of their wages and salaries fall steadily over the years. Shopping is a traumatic experience as the amount of foodstuff the budget allotment can purchase continues to dwindle" Grant lamented.

According to information revealed by the IMF and ECCB this is just the beginning. There is simply too much to pay out to pay down the massive $3billion debt and very little is being collected in terms of revenues. With the recently announced global increase in food prices that many experts including the FAO expect this year, there will be serious consequences for workers especially the poorest .

The introduction of the myriad of taxes and raised levies and utility rates came after years of what experts described as fiscal mismanagement by the current labour administration. The IMF strongly suggested that a combination of both revenue and expenditure measures is needed to maintain primary fiscal surpluses along with structural fiscal reforms over the medium term to underpin fiscal and debt sustainability..

Grant indicated that the IMF highlighted the governments mismanagement in it's 2010 Article IV Consultation report and laid the blame for the burdens being borne by the people of St.Kitts-Nevis at the feet of the Dr. Denzil Douglas led labour administration..

"The IMF consultation report clearly suggested and emphasised the need for proper FISCAL MANAGEMENT," said Grant. "This in my view suggests that the IMF shares the sentiments of the People's Action Movement, the experts and the majority of nationals living here in St.Kitts-Nevis that the current administration has been reckless in it's fiscal policy and can only be described as gross FISCAL MISMANAGEMENT by the labour government. This 15 years of fiscal mismanagement has now resulted in the suffering of our people with the introduction and proposed introduction of these plethora of burdensome taxes and raised levies and utilitity rates including Personal Income Tax which is rumoured to be a consideration by the government. Our people simply can't handle this much burden in this depressed economy and tough economic times," Grant opined.

Philipsburg:--- On Tuesday, February 1, Imbali Center for Creative Movement will officially launch its revamped adult program, under the umbrella of its new Artist in Residence series.
According to Imbali Founder and Director, Clara Reyes, the aim of the new Artist in Residence series is to allow adults the opportunity to sample from a range of dance genres in separated sessions, rather than have to commit to a whole year of one particular course.
"Before it was difficult for our adult students to be consistent with attendance, because they have their other obligations, including families, jobs, organizations, and such. They were always interested in dance, but were sometimes unable to attend regularly over the course of the year. This way they can choose which sessions they want to attend and stick with those for shorter periods of a month or a month and a half," Reyes said.
Reyes announced that the first session would be a month long Salsa course taught by instructor Greccy Toulen. Reyes explained that Toulen, who hailed from Venezuela, but has been residing on the island for almost two decades, was her only choice for teaching this class.
"I have been watching Greccy dance for years and always begging her to come and teach at Imbali, but somehow the timing was always off. I would go to Boo Boo Jam and be amazed by the way she glided across the floor with her dance partner Moose. So, since about 1999 I have been asking her to come and teach and now finally the time was right," Reyes said.
Toulen, who is based on the French side of the island, said that her unavailability over the years stemmed from her immersion into the islands languages. She said she first spent four years learning English at the University of St. Martin and then another four years learning French on the northern side of the island, in order to be able to integrate more successfully into local life.
Toulen said she had also spent some time in Guadeloupe in order to become certified to teach Salsa classes. She used to teach with the late Cees van Dolderen at Motiance Dance School in the 90s and in 2000 she attended the annual Salsa Congress held in Puerto Rico. In addition she also competed in several local competitions and went abroad to represent St. Maarten in 2001. Toulen's family is no stranger to the arts, particularly music and drama. She is the sister of local actress Karim Toulen and cousin of singer and stylist Miguel Alexander. She said that the three of them were a part of a theatre school in Venezuela in the 1970s when they were very young.
"But with Salsa, I've always known Salsa. Since I was five years old that is what my mother and father would teach us, how to dance. It used to be Karim, Miguel and I, learning all the moves and now I believe I have music in my veins. When I dance I feel happy, there is no stress and I am contented," Toulen said.
Toulen said she is eager to teach this course because most people here usually dance soca and zouk and now she will offer them an opportunity to sample the Latin side.
"I will be teaching rhythmic Salsa, not athletic, competitive moves, but movements you can enjoy when you go out at night to dance and have fun. I will mainly be using traditional salsa music and ballads, but I want to also put some spice in it and use Cha Cha Cha and so," Toulen said.
Toulen's session run on Tuesdays and Thursday from 7:30-8:45pm starting February 1-24. She said that anyone, at any skill level should come.
"These classes are for both men and women and focus on social dance. I'm not into teaching trick dancing I'm going to be focusing on soulful Salsa, so that everyone can enjoy it and enjoy movement. By the time people are done they should be comfortable dancing at any social event," Toulen said.
She said that students should wear pumps, with a nice heel and preferably a skirt. Jeans and sneaks limit the movement of the hips and feet and impede learning.
For more information about this course or to register, interested persons should contact Reyes at 554-9364 or Toulen at 00590690885689.

When speaking to youngsters, primarily males, the sentiment is always the same: they have been neglected by previous administrations. Therefore, it is SHTA's belief that this initiative which targets adolescent males primarily will show our youngsters that we do care about their development and their participation in and positive contribution towards this country.

There are several areas within the tourism industry, such as the marine/ yachting sector, where with proper training and certification our youths can have successful careers. This is an area where the SHTA could be of assistance.

These types of initiatives, which are in line with the SHTA's vision for St. Maarten, are crucial to discourage these youngsters from resorting to a life of crime and instead encourage them to lead prosperous lives. This project, if successful, could ultimately lead to a reduction in crime and improvement of the quality of life for all and therefore it requires all hands on deck. It is for this reason that the SHTA fully endorses this initiative and will lend its support to the Minister and her Ministry in ensuring that this project is executed effectively and in close cooperation with the business community.

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (GIS) – The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a health authority which is part of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, encourages individuals, families and communities to make positive, life-enhancing decisions on healthy diet and physical activity.

 

CPS would also like parents and guardians to foster and encourage healthy dietary choices for children and promote the maintenance of a healthy weight. Parents and guardians of course need to set the proper example in order for kids to follow.

The appeal from CPS is part of the Ministry of Public Health's annual calendar of observances and the focus is on healthy weight and nutrition.

Health is the general condition of a person in all aspects. It is also a level of functional and or metabolic efficiency and a state of being free from illness or injury.

Overall health is achieved through a combination of physical, mental, and social well-being, which, together is commonly referred to as the health triangle.

Weight is a tough issue and many people know how important it is to keep weight in check yet many struggle to do so. However, the health benefits of staying at a healthy weight are huge and well worth the effort.

Keeping your weight in check has benefits such as lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and many different cancers such as breast, colon, kidney, pancreas, esophagus, and high blood pressure.

The Sint Maarten Health Survey of 1999 indicated that diabetes and hypertension was a major problem on the island and that 28 per cent of persons 65 and over had diabetes and was in the top five chronic health groups.

The United Nations health agency, the World Health Organization (WHO), last Friday called for action to reduce the exposure of children to the marketing of food with high contents of fat, sugar or salt, which exposed them to the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD) caused by poor diet during their lives.

Television advertising is responsible for a large share of the marketing of unhealthy foods and, according to available evidence; advertisements influence children's food preferences, purchase requests and consumption patterns, according to the WHO.

In May last year, WHO member States endorsed a new set of recommendations on the marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages to children. The recommendations call for national and international action to reduce the exposure of children to marketing messages that promote foods high in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, free sugars, or salt, and to reduce the use of powerful techniques to market them to children.

According to WHO, 43 million pre-school children worldwide are either obese or over-weight. Scientific reviews have also shown that a significant portion of television advertising that children are exposed to promotes "non-core" food products which are low in nutritional value.

Poor diet is one of the four common factors associated with the four main non-communicable diseases – cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and chronic lung diseases – which are responsible for about 60 per cent of deaths worldwide, or over 35 million people annually.

More than nine million deaths are premature – people dying before reaching the age of 60 – and could be prevented through low-cost measures at the world's disposal, including stopping tobacco use, reducing the harmful use of alcohol, and promoting healthy diets and physical activity.

The grand opening ceremony of NAGICO Assurances on French St. Martin was considered by many as yet another important step towards increased unity and cooperation between French and Dutch St. Marten at all fronts and in particular economic development through accessibility of valued financial products and services, that benefit the peoples and businesses of both sides of the island.

NAGICO which was born in 1981, and opened offices on 1st of February of 1982 on Dutch St. Maarten, had as its first shareholders Mr. Richard Gibson Sr., Charles Vlaun, Albert Wathey, Vance James Sr., Albert Fleming and Mr. Beresford. The company has now grown throughout the North Eastern Caribbean, represented on 14 islands with the opening of NAGICO Assurances. The company can be viewed as an icon of St. Maarten export, expanding and introducing its financial products and services throughout the region – the reverse of what has been the norm for so many years (as explained in the CEO's address).

The attendees included dignitaries from Dutch and French St. Martin including Prime Minster Sarah Wescot-Williams, President of the Collectivity Mr. Frantz Gumbs, Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Theodore Heyliger, and French St. Martin Senator Mr. Luis Constant Fleming, with the two heads of state assisting CEO of NAGICO Insurances Mr. Imran McSood Amjad with the cutting of the ribbon to officially mark the opening.

Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, President Frantz Gumbs were among those invited to address the gathering and both acknowledged the historic occasion for the peoples of French and Dutch St. Marten. Others included: Mr. John Lawrence, Mandataire Général; Ms. Francesca HUNT, Directrice des operations; Mr. Steve TACKLING, Président de la CCI; Mr. Alain Richardson of CECOR and Senator Louis Constant Fleming.

Mr. Imran McSood Amjad stated in his address: "Ladies and Gentlemen I am pleased to welcome each and every one of you to this special occasion, as we officially open our offices here in Marigot, French St. Martin.

Whilst we have operated offices only on Dutch St. Maarten for nearly three decades, we provided coverage to all the people of St. Maarten/St. Martin who chose to insure with us. This has sometimes been met with resistance but in the spirit of the "Treaty of Concordia" existing between our nations for nearly 4 centuries, we persisted until now, having received the relevant approval from the Regulatory Bodies. It has been a long and tedious process to get this far starting with obtaining our license, registering ourselves at the Chamber of Commerce, the Guarantee Fund, the ACP, opening bank accounts and design, renovation and furnishing of the office.

We have had to face many hurdles, not least the constant attack by some, to tarnish our reputation with several damaging articles in various newspapers. NAGICO chose not to respond to any of these but instead concentrate on what we do best: Developing an insurance operation with a professional team of personnel and meeting all local and federal regulations, policy conditions, etc.

NAGICO has been known for over the years as a good corporate citizen, very conscious of the sporting, educational and social issues and needs of our society and we intend to pursue the same path of French St. Martin. At the same time, we will endeavor to build and even stronger company for the benefit of our many policy holders.

NAGICO is perhaps the only St. Maarten Company that exports services to other territories which is a reverse of what has been the norm for so many years.

I have been asked many times why we choose to do business on French St. Martin where it is assumed to be most difficult. The answer is simple: "We believe in one people, one island, and one destiny." We also believe that French St. Martin will rise again and there will be fiscal initiatives, already starting, that will help to boost the fledging economy. We have faith in the resilience of the people on this island not least those of our brothers and sisters on the French Side.

I would like to close by thanking the Government and People of French St. Martin for their support. However I especially want to thank Ms. Francesca Hunt (Director of Operation French St. Martin Office), hard work, dedication, and "never say never" attitude. I have great hopes for this daughter of the soil to grow NAGICO substantially here and abroad. Special thanks goes out also to Mr. Alain Roper, our IT consultant and in my opinion, a local computer genius, Mr. John Lawrence our "Mondetaire General" and the rest of our Supervisory and Managing Board, Agents, Brokers and staff, finally my wife and kids for their continued support. May God bless you all!! Thank you."

Black History Month 2011

1^st February – 28th. 2011

Theme:  “THE FIGHT TO FREEDOM”

EXHIBITION:

Date:               31^th January to 28^th February 2011

Topic:             Black History

 

MOVIES / Documentaries:

Movies presented in the library free of charge for the whole family concerning the life and the reality of African slaves’ descendants in the Americas and the Caribbean.

Where we were back then to where we are now.

(Movies: Amistad, Good hair, The pursuit of happiness and Guess who.

Movies will take place every Wednesday evening ( 2^nd ,9^th ,16^th , 23^rd February 2011)  from 6pm until 7.30pm.

 

 

STORY TIME (Primary students):

2011. Time: 11 am to 12 pm in the story corner @ our library. Our storyteller for this event is Nkosozana: story and dance.

READERS are LEADERS (Secondary students):

Poetry & Drama Competition

The Philipsburg Jubilee Library in collaboration with Rotary Sunrise Club hosting a poetry and drama competition. Under the theme: “Black leaders in the Caribbean”.

We are asking various secondary schools to send out their best Teenagers to represent their school in our Readers are Leaders competition.

To be part of this competition, please contact Karia Arnold and Maryland Powell.

The event will take place at Philipsburg Cultural Center on the 23^rd of February 2011. Time 6.30pm to 8.00 pm. everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy and cheer their teenager and classmate.

 

The History of the Salt Pond

The Philipsburg Jubilee Library in close collaboration with the Conscious Lyrics Foundation will host a lecture on the History of the Salt Pond.

Date: Thursday 24^th February 2011

Time: 7pm until

Place: Library

Philipsburg:--- The Prosecutor's office is yet to take a decision on if there is enough evidence to prosecute ousted Minister of Health and Labour Maria Buncamper Molanus and her husband, a senior civil servant Claudius Buncamper.
Press prosecutor Rienk Mud had promised members of the media that a decision would have been taken by mid January as his office was busy studying the files they received. Mud said on Sunday no decision has been taken into the case as his office needs more time. The press prosecutor did not indicate how soon a decision will be taken.
The ousted Minister and her husband sold the economic rights to a parcel of government lease land that was granted to them for some three million dollars. The former Minister got the parcel of land while she was part of the executive council in 2008 while her husband is acting head of VROM. The controversial parcel of land which is located on Pond Island was filled in by Moses Mardenborough a heavy equipment owner who said government had given him consent to fill in the land with the intention they would grant him long lease to the property.
Since the revelation of the Buncamper's scandal the Minister has made her position available to the council of Ministers when she was confronted with a motion of no confidence presented by the National Alliance faction in Parliament.

Philipsburg:--- While the detectives and RST team have arrested at least four persons that are major suspects in the Brooks Tower Accord 11 forgery scandal, reliable information reaching SMN News indicates that three women from the Dominican Republic that operate "The Soldiers of Jesus Christ Foundation", or a church foundation of a similar name, located in the Garden of Eden in Dutch Quarter, are deeply involved in the BTA racket.
The source, who happens to be a victim of the scandal, provided SMN News with a copy of a letter they claim was bought from the main suspect two days before the police and detectives arrested her, for the sum of $500.00.
The victim who is scared of the consequences of their actions, said the main suspect was paid $500.00 at her home for a letter signed by project co-ordinator Evelyn Hodge that is addressed to the head of the Labour Department Mrs. Smits-Rombley, falsely claiming the victim had submitted a request for a Brooks Tower Category 2 (first application) residence permit. The letter also bears a stamp of the Korps Politie, St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius, which no longer exists. It appears that someone also stole that police stamp, which is yet to be disclosed by the current police organization. The letter was also backdated to December 29th 2010.
According to the victim, arrangements were also made to purchase a job letter and contract from three women of Spanish decent that operate "The Soldiers of Jesus Christ Foundation" a Pentecostal church located in the Garden of Eden in Dutch Quarter, for the sum of $1000.00. In addition, the victim was also supposed to pay the US$900 work permit fee from their own pocket. The victim said they did not have the money to immediately pay for the job letter and contract which state that they will be employed by the church. The church of course had no intention of actually employing the victim. It was purely a scam to obtain a work permit under false pretexts.
The fraudulent part of this letter is the fact that it was bought in the middle of January, long after the BTA process was closed, but was back dated to 12/29/2010, to falsely show that the application process was started before the BTA process ended in December 2010.

According to the victim, they were supposed to take the letter they purchased from the chief suspect, along with the bogus job letter and contract to the labour department, but since they were not able to come up with the $1000.00 to pay for the other two documents, the file could not be submitted to the labour department. The victim said that even though five people were arrested and an investigation is ongoing the church is pressuring them to pay the $1000.00 and continue with the process.
A copy of the letter the main suspect allegedly sold to the victim is posted below. For the protection of the victim's identity their name has been removed from the letter.

Fraudulent BTA Letter

Philipsburg:--- On Saturday January 22nd at approximately 02:45am, a police patrol from the Philipsburg District was directed to Sucker Garden in the vicinity of Crystal bar to investigate a robbery. On the scene the patrol spoke to the victim with the initials L.R. who stated that shortly before on his way home, he was approached by an unknown man on a scooter. This man demanded that he hand over all his money and pulled out a gun. Fearing for his life the victim handed over the U.S. $ 25.00 he had in his possession. The suspect became quite angry and aggressive striking the victim twice in his face with gun. The victim suffered a cut above his left eye which had swollen severally. The victim was treated on the scene by paramedics and then taken to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. The Special Robbery Unit has launched their investigation into this case.
Police is also investigating a case of arson where a vehicle was destroyed. A press release from the police states that on Saturday January 22nd at approximately 04:10am, a police patrol was directed to Umbrella Cactus concerning a car that was on fire. On the scene the patrol encountered the car with license-plate P-6546 owned by the man with the initials V.R. was completely engulfed in flames. Two other cars that were parked close by also suffered some damage as a result of this fire. Fire fighters arrived on the scene and quickly put the fire out. An investigation done by the officers on the scene indicates that this car had been set alight by "Molotov cocktails" (fire bombs). Unknown persons had intentionally set the car on fire. An official complaint has been made and an investigation into this case by the Detective Department has begun.